Written By Brian Mazique
Ladies and gentlemen, there's finally a heavyweight fight on tap that American fans care about. WBC heavyweight champion Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KO) will defend his title against "The Bronze Bomber," Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32 KO).
It's the featured attraction on Saturday night's card from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but don't expect this one to last too long.
With a knockout percentage of 91 between the two fighters, it would be a shock if this one reaches the scorecards. This bout is Stiverne's first defense of the vacant title he won via a sixth-round TKO over Chris Arreola.
It was his second straight win over the tough veteran contender.
The undefeated Wilder has stopped every opponent he's faced. Standing 6'7", the devastating puncher is going to get an opportunity to prove he's as good as his record implies he is. Per his Twitter account, Wilder insists the fight is going to be entertaining.
Here's how you can watch, and Sweet Boxing's Ryan Bivins has the tale of the tape.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: MGM Grand in Las Vegas
TV: Showtime
Live Stream: BoxNation (subscription required and region restricted)
Stiverne is the champion, but the biggest name on this card is Wilder's. The entire sport is seemingly begging for an American heavyweight to take over. Right now, Wilder, a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, represents the United States' best chance to become the man.
Haitian-born Stiverne would love to thwart Wilder's attempt to rise to the top of the division. Much is being made about Wilder's power, but the truth is, Stiverne packs quite a wallop himself.
The shot he dropped Arreola with initially was a hard counter right hand. Check it out here:
The champion will be looking for an opportunity to test Wilder's chin in a similar situation. The only difference is, if Wilder connects while Stiverne is looking for the counter, the champion might wake up to see Wilder celebrating.
You can't put together a more impressive record than Wilder's run. The 29-year-old has the type of rare power that we've only seen in the likes of George Foreman and Earnie Shavers.
While there is no questioning Wilder's power, he's not the most refined boxer. In previous fights, Wilder has been wild and wide with his punches. None of the marginal opponents who have faced him have been able to capitalize on the opportunities.
There's a chance Stiverne can. He has good feet and quick hands for a big man. Will this be the night that Wilder is exposed, or will he mow down another opponent en route to his first world title?
Prediction
This is a very tough fight to predict. Stiverne is the more skilled and experienced fighter. He needs to make Wilder respect him and control the pace of the fight.
The longer Stiverne can keep the fight moving at a slower pace, the better his chances of winning will be.
Wilder does have the great equalizer. The power in his hands is startling, and Stiverne has a habit of keeping his gloves down at his sides. That tendency is a no-no—especially against a fighter like Wilder.
In the end, the first man to land flush is going to take this bout. I believe that will be Wilder. The Bronze Bomber has the kind of power an opponent doesn't fully respect until he feels it in the ring. Wilder will connect with a power shot within the first two rounds that changes the complexion of the bout.
Shortly after that, the fight will be over.
Wilder is imperfect but massively strong. The latter quality will once again push Wilder through and to his first world title.
