Is Deontay Wilder the worst technically developed Champion ever?

By Boxing News - 03/05/2018 - Comments

Image: Is Deontay Wilder the worst technically developed Champion ever?

By Robert Blakeman: On last Saturday night I counted over twenty punches thrown by WBC heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder against Luis Ortiz that would be deemed illegal in a British ring (The home and inventor of Boxing).

(Photo credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

Under the Marquis of Queensbury regulations hitting with anywhere but the knuckle area is not a legal punch and Wilder used his fists at all angles. I’m not saying he’s not effective-you can’t argue with his stats, but I would never tell one of my boxing students to use him as a role model or guideline on ‘Boxing’. He’s an absolute buffoon in the ring, no balance, incorrect posture, no rhythm, just wild, swinging punches for much of the time-I’ve see Car Jacking’s executed with more poise.

This was not a boxing match on Wilders part-he won but it was more like a mugging than a boxing match for his part. Again, I’m not doubting the effectiveness but if I was Robert McCracken, A’s trainer I would really fancy the job. It’s unbelievable to think what a technically proficient Heavyweight like Lennox Lewis or Riddick Bowe would have done with Wilder. It’s like watching cartoon character ‘Captain Caveman’ fighting!! No doubt this will annoy some of his fans but nevertheless this is purely about boxing-not a criticism of his record.

I’ll never watch him again until he fights Anthony Joshua, who will outbox him easily. He may be many positive things Wilder, but a true boxer in the purist’s sense, he is not! I’m not trying to be snobby but technically correct boxing is a joy to watch when performed correctly and still contains savagery and ferociousness but within the context of the true Noble Art.