I here WAY too much about Wilder being untested. While I think that's largely true, these same folks make it sound like Stiverne HAS been. Now I agree that first fight with Arreola was bombs away, a boxing lesson. The second one, not so much. Chris was waxing his ass up until that 6th round. Had it gone beyond the 6th, I think Stiverne still would have won... but it was much more competitive.
So, here's a play on numbers to put it in perspective.
The combined records of all Wilder's opponents after 32 pro fights is 451-218-23. Stiverne's opponents, after 26 fights, have a combined record of 337-201-21.
If you divide both combined records by the number of fights they've both had, you get a "combined opponent average" of:
Wilder = 14-7-1; and Stiverne = 13-8-1. And finally, keep in mind fellas... that Deontay is undefeated with no draws. Stiverne lost to a guy with a 11-15-0 record and drew with a guy that had a 17-17-1 record.
I'm pulling for Stiverne but we need to be fair to Wilder. He HAS faced bums... but Stiverne isn't any better.
My mind says Wilder with his reach advantage and power, but I have a gut feeling now on the morning of the fight that Stiverne who also has power will win by KO.
Yes, i'm torn too. I don't rate Wilder at all, but I would quite like to see Wlad fight him in the 'States. He'll stop him in brutal fashion and put paid to the prospects of yet another American HW.
However, I can't see anything but an early win for Stiverne. Wilder is too wild and open and Stiverne has surprisingly quick hands to go with his power.
This is going to be one of those days where I'm impatient as hell all afternoon.
Yep. I had the same feeling for Rigo vs. Donaire, Marg vs. Cotto 1 and any Floyd or Manny fight where I knew the opponent could actually present a challenge (which weren't too many).
I'm at work now but I'll be thinking of tonights fight all day. Can't wait to get off and drink to get ready.
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