By Eric Thomas: Unbeaten heavyweight contender Denis Boytsov (29-0, 14 KO’s) takes a tiny step up in class against journeyman Darnell Wilson (24-13-3, 20 KO’s) on January 28th at the Grand Elysee, Rotherbaum, Hamburg, Germany.

Boytsov, #4 WBO, #4 WBC, #5 WBA, #6 IBF, has been pushed slowly by his German promoters after he piled up a lot of impressive amateur experience. However, they’ve been reluctant to put Boytsov in against better fighters for some reason and it’s disappointing that after eight years as a pro, Boytsov, 25, is still fighting B level fighters like Wilson.

Boytsov has good skills and he’d give one of the champions, such as WBA champ Alexander Povetkin, a lot of problems and might even be able to beat him. Of course, Boytsov wouldn’t stand a chance against the Klitschko brothers but he might as well face them now because there won’t be any real change if he’s held back another year. He’ll still lose.

What Boytsov, 6’1 213lbs, is really lacking is size, as he’s more of a cruiserweight-sized heavyweight than an actual heavyweight. If Boytsov had blazing hand speed like former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye, then he could possibly give the Klitschkos problems or beat Povetkin. But he’s small and is going to have some trouble.

Wilson should give Boytsov a decent test, as he can really punch. He’s not going to outwork Boytsov but he could make it interesting if he’s able to land some of his big right hands on Boytsov’s chin. He hasn’t been in with a puncher like this before and he’s going to have to be careful. I suspect Boytsov will have way too much talent for Wilson to handle and this should be an easy win for Boytsov.