Deontay Wilder seems to be underrated regarding recognition of his accomplishments after ten successful WBC heavyweight title defenses.
It is fair to say that most of our current heavyweight boxers split opinions worldwide. Wilder is one that never seems to come out well in these types of discussions.
Is that simply because the general public dismissed him as a boxer?
The 37-year-old held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. He was seemingly happy to fight anyone along the way. The same cannot be said about some others in the division currently.
Wilder has had 46 fights, winning 43 and knocking out 42. The others ended in a draw and two losses when he met Tyson Fury three times.
He’s fought Fury, showing he isn’t scared of the big British fighter. He took him on head-on rather than avoiding the fight. The same cannot be said about fellow heavyweight Anthony Joshua.
The third clash between Wilder and Fury was another thrilling encounter and the 2021 Fight of the Year. It attracted the interest of sports fans from all over the world.
Will Deontay Wilder end up in the Boxing Hall of Fame?
Perhaps the main reason why many don’t give Wilder the credit he deserves is because of his style. Wilder has an incredible punch, shown by the fact that he has won by knockout 97% of the time.
Some see this as a negative, suggesting he does not have the same boxing ability as others and relies on his punch. However, when he’s gone up against the best, you could argue this is not to be the case.
Those who don’t appreciate what Wilder has will say that he has the best punch in the business. If he gets it off and connects cleanly, that wins him the fight instead of any tactical move.
Those who appreciate what Wilder has will say that landing his punch is a skill that is far tougher than many think. His opponent is constantly waiting for it to come.
That leads them to box in a more defensive style. It may take time, but eventually, Wilder connects, and when he does, that usually results in a victory.
His wins against Cuban boxer Luiz Ortiz have shown that Wilder can mix it up with those he should have trouble with. It’s the sign of a true champion.
Ortiz is a southpaw while also being very experienced. He had the ring craft that those adverse about Wilder believe he doesn’t. H
However, while it may have taken him a little time, Wilder has eventually found the gaps and a way to get his punch through the Ortiz guard. He won both battles by knockout, showing that he doesn’t need to have that ring craft many accuse him of lacking.
A place in the Hall of Fame seems guaranteed on achievement with the green strap alone.
