By James Slater: A number of people have been critical of unbeaten heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder’s level of pro opposition. “The Bronze Bomber,” a 2008 Olympian (hence the nickname) has yet to be taken past the 4th-round and he has beaten up a number of guys who entered the ring with him whilst sporting losing records. Wilder fans say, “hey, give the guy a break; he’s being moved slowly as he’s only 26.” Fair enough, but what will the 20-0(20) contender possibly learn from his next fight?
Set for this Saturday in Saint Louis – with Marcos Maidana-Devon Alexander and Adrien Broner-Eloy Perez headlining – Wilder’s bout sees him going in with 40-year-old Marlon Hayes of New Jersey. Now, Hayes doesn’t sport a losing record at 23-10(11) but he has two massive things going against him: one, he has not fought since October of 2007 and 2; he has NEVER fought as a heavyweight before.
Loser of his last five, Hayes was fighting as low as middleweight in 2002. Never boxing at a higher poundage than 197 (his last fight, a 3rd-round TKO loss to Vadim Tokarev in Moscow), Hayes, known as “Rumblin’ Man,” has fought most of his fights down at light-heavyweight – losing to the likes of Elvir Muriqi, Danny Santiago and Robert Stieglitz). Stopped four times, the 5’9” journeyman looks to be utterly doomed against the fast, powerful 6’7” Wilder.
It remains to be seen what type of condition Hayes comes in at for Saturday’s fight (we must give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he comes in solid and ready to rumble) – but it looks a good bet from where I am that a flabby, totally outgunned former 160-pounder shows up this weekend and is promptly dispatched by the gifted Wilder. Again, what will Wilder possibly learn from this fight?
To think, back in his early days, the critics were, well, critical of Riddick Bowe’s opponents. What will the critics have to say about Wilder’s next foe?
Look for yet another 1st-round KO win for the prospect from Tuscaloosa, Alabama (his 14th so far and counting).