Former top-ranked American heavyweight Deontay Wilder is set to re-enter the ring on December 11 in Cardiff against Jai Opetaia, a competitor making the transition from cruiserweight. However, rising contender Da’Mazion Vanhouter harbors doubts regarding the ex-WBC champion’s decision to compete, suggesting the bout could further damage Wilder’s legacy. “I thought it was a funny fight,” Vanhouter told Sky Sports when assessing the upcoming contest. Analyzing the matchup, the youngster added: “I think it’s kind of cool, but I don’t think Wilder should be fighting. I just think he’s tarnishing his name, but I don’t think he wins. “His [Opetaia] skill, if he doesn’t get hit by the right hand, and he catches Wilder. We all know he’s chinny, so he’ll be able to get him out of there.”
Before offering predictions on veteran peers, the undefeated 21-year-old phenom must focus on his own immediate challenge against Ivan Balaz this Saturday night in Great Britain. Boasting an immaculate record of 13 victories alongside 10 stoppage finishes, Vanhouter features on the card headlined by Chris Billam-Smith versus Cheavon Clarke. A dominant performance during this showcase could secure the youthful puncher a highly coveted slot on the upcoming mega-event featuring Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury. Fight fans can tune in to watch his bout live starting at 7pm on Sky Sports.
Zuffa Boxing founder Dana White has voiced enormous confidence in the young athlete’s capabilities, publicly labeling him as the premier upcoming star of the weight class. Assessing the prospect’s trajectory, White shared his perspective directly with Sky Sports: “We have got to see what happens [at the weekend] but the answer to the question [of is he America’s next great heavyweight hope] is absolutely yes,” The promoter further emphasized the immense scrutiny facing elite boxers as they advance through the ranks: “In every weight division where you have somebody who has the potential to become a superstar it’s a big deal and very important for the sport. “Nothing more important than the heavyweight division and if you’re not excited about him after his last fight, hopefully tomorrow night you will be excited. “I try to not get overexcited about anybody before they get further down the road and start to prove themselves but pressure is this business. “Every fight is more important than the last. In team sports a loss doesn’t set you back but in individual sports it’s an absolute killer. “The pressure is always going to be there and what you really want to do is not only test these guys physically and talent-wise but can they handle the pressure, too?”
Leave a Reply