By Scott Gilfoid: In the undercard of the Marcos Maidana vs. Devon Alexander fight tonight from the Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri, the real gem of the card will be fighting with unbeaten heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder (20-0, 20 KO’s) looking to bag another KO to his record in a fight against highly experienced 40-year-old journeyman fighter Marlon Hayes (23-10, 11 KO’s) in an eight round bout.
This could be the most interesting fight of the entire card if only to see what will likely be a highlight reel KO for Wilder. There perhaps isn’t a fighter that has a good enough chin to withstand Wilder’s howitzer of a right hand and I don’t expect Hayes to be an exception. Wilder has had problems getting quality opponents willing to step up and face him, as three guys pulled out of fights with him recently making it necessary for Hayes to be found.
Luckily, they were able to get Hayes because it could have been far, far worse for Wilder in terms of a weak opponent. Wilder is just trying to improve his game enough to where he’ll be ready to go after the big names in the division in 2012 or 2012. Wilder is only 26, so he’s got plenty of time to build up his resume and improve his skills. Unlike a lot of fighters, Wilder only had a small amount of amateur fights before turning pro.
Although Wilder did make the 2008 U.S Olympic team and go on to win a Bronze medal in that year’s Olympics, he did it mostly on raw power and athletic ability rather than technique. He only had less than 21 fights to win the Olympic trails to make it into the Olympics. He’s got a lot to learn still, but that’s why you’re seeing him in with guys like Hayes instead of heavyweights that could give him a lot more of a test.
Comments are closed.