By Scott Gilfoid: Deontay Wilder (30-0, 30 KO’s) is expected to fight next on May 3rd on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jr’s next fight at the MGM Grand on Las Vega, Nevada. Golden Boy Promotions doesn’t have an opponent for the 6’7″ knockout artist, but 40-year-old Fres Oquendo (36-7, 23 KO’s) is hoping to get the fight, according to Fightnews.
Oquendo, #6 WBA, #12 WBC, would be a nice scalp for Deontay to add to his collection if he could get that fight, because Oquendo has been in with a lot of big named fighters during his long 17-year pro career.
He’s had fights against John Ruiz, Oliver McCall, Jean Marc Mormeck, Bruce Seldon, James Toney, Evander Holyfield, Chris Byrd, Maurice Harris, David Tua, David Izon, Bert Cooper, Phil Jackson, Obed Sullivan and Clifford Etienne.
Oquendo is one of the most experienced heavyweights still around today, and he’s still about just as good as he was back in his early 20s.
It’s kind of remarkable how well preserved Oquendo is. He doesn’t look any older than he was when he was fighting the likes of Byrd and Harris over a decade ago.
Oquendo has won his last four fights since suffering a controversial 12 round split decision loss to McCall in 2010. Among the victories that Oquendo has piled up are wins over Joey Abell and Derric Rossy.
This would be as good fight for Deontay because of Oquendo’s ranking and his excellent boxing skills. He’s got good head movement, a nice jab, and his power is impressive. I always liked the way that Oquendo throws combinations. He’s very good at putting his shots together, unlike most heavyweights who throw one shot at a time and then take long breaks staring at each other.
Deontay was hoping to get a fight against Britain’s Tyson Fury, but he’s not been able to get him off his couch to take the fight for some reason. Fury’s looking for a safer fight on February 15th in a tune-up bout. I can’t foresee him taking on anyone as good as Oquendo in his next fight.
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