Boxing world champion Deontay Wilder (USA) is already dreaming of a title union against Klitschko-bezwinger Anthony Joshua:”Boxing needs that, so I will do it,”said the heavyweight champion before defending his title in New York on Saturday against former champions Bermane Stiverne (Canada). Wilder is World Champion of the WBC, the Brit Joshua wears the IBF belt and is Superchampion of the WBA.
After Joshua’s victory last weekend against Frenchman Carlos Takam, his promoter Eddie Hearn had fueled rumors about a possible duel with Wilder and WBO World Champion Joseph Parker (New Zealand) next year. But for that Wilder needs a victory on Saturday. Before a possible Joshua fight, he will have to face the winner of the elimination duel between Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina (both USA) in any case.
Wilder and 39-year-old Stiverne had already confronted each other in the ring by 2015. At that time, the powerful US-American defended the WBC-Champion with a clear point win. Curious: In 38 professional fights so far, this was the only Fight Wilders that made ends meet.
Wilder sees himself clearly in the role of the favourites for the second duel:”I think that this time the fight will be even easier. He hasn’t improved since then, but I’m going to show him the brand-new Deontay Wilder. This is the end of Bermane Stivernes’ career.”
In fact, Stiverne hasn’t boxed for about two years, his last fight he won in November 2015 against Derric Rossy (USA) by points.