By Scott Gilfoid: Big and talented 6’7″ heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder (23-0, 23 KO’s) will be looking to chock up his 24th consecutive knockout victory this Saturday night against Kertson Manswell (22-5, 17 KO’s) at the Exposition Hall, in Mobile, Alabama.
Wilder, 26, has been perfect in his 23 fights at the pro level after capturing a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. Wilder has been one of the few success stories for that Olympics, as most of the fighters that turned pro after the Olympics haven’t see their careers pan out like Wilder.
Manswell isn’t a soft touch like some boxing fans think he is. He hits hard and he’s got enough power to KO anyone in the division if he can land enough of shots. Wilder can’t afford to let the 6’4″ Manswell connect with his big shots because we could see an upset if that happens. Interestingly enough, Manswell’s 81″ reach is identical to IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s reach. That tells you that Manswell is going to have opportunities to get his own shots in against Wilder. This isn’t a fight between a towering 6’7″ Wilder and some small fry. Manswell has got some respectable size going for him. His reach, however, still isn’t long as Wilder, who has an 84″ reach. That’s an incredibly long reach and that’s one of the factors that makes Wilder so good. He can just stand on the outside and dominate with his long arms and huge power. But Wilder’s main asset is his right hand power. He could be 5’9″, and just as dangerous as he is now because of his incredible strength in his right hand. If only his trainer could bring out the same power in his left hand and we’d have an unbeatable fighter. I mean, I’d be happy if they could at least teach Wilder how to throw a good jab because if he can develop his jab then he won’t need anything else besides those two weapons.
Wilder wants to get a title shot against one of the champions next year, so he’ll continue to face better and better opposition with each fight after Saturday’s bout against Manswell. The skies the limit for the knockout artist from Alabama, because he’s got the power to beat anyone in the division with his right hand. There’s no one that can stand up to Wilder if he’s able to land his right hand cleanly. He’s just too powerful for anyone but a fighter with a chin made of granite.
Comments are closed.