Last night on November 4, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn hosted a main boxing event between Heavyweight world title holder Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) and Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs).
Wilder has lost out on the opportunity for two great fights because of his opponents, Alexander Povetkin last year and Luis “King Kong” Ortiz last month, failing the drug tests. Hence Bermane Stiverne was chosen as the short-notice replacement for Wilder. Deontay won the WBC heavyweight title from Bermane by lopsided decision in January 2015.
“I’ve called out every name in the sport. All the top guys have ducked me, so I just have to take care of the people that are able to get in the ring,” Wilder said.
This bout was a rematch absolutely no sensible boxing fan wanted.
Wilder lived up to his promise, smashed Stiverne and pulled off a stunning first round KO, flooring his opponent to retain his world title for the sixth time.
Wilder knocked Stiverne down three times before kOing him to finish the fight.
In the post-fight interview, Wilder called WBA and IBF champion Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) for a unification bout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckVrk_td5J8
“The world wants Joshua,” Wilder said. “I want Joshua. Come and see me, baby! No more hiding, no more ducking, no more dodging, let’s make the fight happen! Let’s see who’s the best, I know I’m the best! “I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge? Are you up for the test?”
Promoter Lou DiBella said Wilder would put the Johsua to sleep when they meet in the ring.
“No one punches like him; no one has the reach he has, no one has the one-punch power he has,” he said. “He’s the scariest heavyweight on the planet. He will put Anthony Joshua to sleep the same way he just did Bermane Stiverne. “He’s Anthony Joshua’s biggest test; he’s Anthony Joshua’s worst nightmare.”