Deontay Wilder looks to be the biggest puncher in history after comparisons between three heavyweight champions, including Mike Tyson and George Foreman.
Wilder has repeatedly proven his ability to render his opponents helpless in the ring and finally gets the recognition he deserves at the top level.
Once ridiculed as the top division puncher who continually fought also-ran foes, Wilder has earned respect simply by smashing fighters to bits.
Similarly to Mike Tyson and George Foreman in the modern era, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has become one of the most feared punchers in boxing.
Deontay Wilder KO record
Wilder’s 42 knockouts from 43 wins [almost 98% KO] are a product of ferocious strength in one seismic shock to the system. This is something not even Tyson or Foreman used in abundance.
Noted as the biggest hitters of all time, Tyson and Foreman used more than a solitary blow to get the job done on several occasions. That’s where Wilder differs.
When talked about in circles pre and post-fight, Wilder is the only heavyweight champion in history that’s mentioned as a largely non-boxer. He doesn’t use any ring generalship or noted skillset to put any points on the board. Wilder doesn’t think he needs to.
Wilder’s natural talent is setting traps to get off that bolt of lightning that ends the contest stone dead.
Weirdly, Wilder’s skill – or lack of it in specific arguments – doesn’t even become a factor anymore. The American has 36 minutes to catch you once.
This is an unprecedented situation. It’s an amazing one when you consider the build and size of Wilder. He’s effectively a cruiserweight. But possesses an unearthed dynamite in abundance.
Mike Tyson punching up
Tyson, whose KO ratio was 75%, could generate similar force to Wilder when detonating his blows.
The difference was that Tyson was a seasoned boxer. He learned his craft from great boxing teacher Cus D’Amato. He also had to punch up being one of the smallest heavyweights out there.
This took some of his blunt force away.
Nonetheless, ‘Iron’ Mike could take you out to the body or head. The New Yorker used super-quick combinations to scary effect against any opponent in his prime.
Wilder, on the other hand, is not noted for going downstairs when it comes to those highlight-reel KOs we all watch repeatedly.
Head-hunting is constant. Something no other fighter has ever been able to withstand. Every opponent he has faced tasted the canvas in one of their fights.
George Foreman broke you down
For ‘Big’ George, his sheer size was the intimidation factor. Despite possessing quality, which ultimately led him to an Olympic gold medal, Foreman could also walk you down. He could pound on you until he broke you.
Thudding shots that shook fighters down to their bones were a regular feature for George. The argument is included in devastating wins over legends Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, which rocked the division to its core.
With George, there was never really that sense that one shot would do the job immediately. That’s why Frazier and Norton were able to get up several times.
But at 83% from 81 contests, it’s no wonder George is held in such high regard. And yet another reason why he became the oldest top-division champion of all time at 45.
They say power is the last thing to go from a puncher. If true, Wilder could knock people out with a single punch when he’s well into his forties.
