The 36 year-old is aiming to become not only the first fighter to defeat big-punching Wilder when the two collide in Las Vegas, but the first to go past four rounds with the ‘Bronze Bomber’ who has amassed a supreme run of 32 straight victories as a pro.
Speaking from his camp this week, Stiverne was a man of few words as he focused on the task at hand, but had that air of confidence needed going into what could turn out to be a dress rehearsal for a career-defining clash with Wladimir Kitschko in the summer.
“Training camp has been great, things couldn’t be better,” Stiverne told World Boxing News.
“Everything is perfect because we didn’t base our camp about Wilder or his opponents. This training camp is about me being my best for this fight as I believe I am the favourite for this fight because I am the best, not only as a fighter – but also as a man.”
Asked whether he is aiming for a stoppage of his own at the MGM Grand, Stiverne added: “Of course I am; not just a knockout, I’m going to hurt him.”
The final question put to the reigning champ was that of a potential meeting with formidable WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO title holder Klitschko, although Stiverne was having none of it and would not be drawn on looking past his imminent encounter with Wilder.
“I’m not focused on that (Klitschko) right now, only the January 17th fight,” he stated.
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