Deontay’s looking a real belter
WHO would come out on top in a world heavyweight unification bout between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder?
It’s a debate that has gathered pace this week with WBC champion Wilder calling out IBF, WBA and IBO belt holder Joshua.
It is an intriguing prospect, with unbeaten Wilder, who has knocked out 38 of his 39 victims, clearly fancying his chances.
Joshua, of course, is equally confident after compiling a record of 20 straight wins, all inside the distance.
When Wilder (below) won the world title against Bermane Stiverne in 2015, I thought he really boxed well and showed he had a very strong engine.
He showed heart and he took a good few punches from Stiverne on the chin.
But in his subsequent fights he has looked very, very average.
True, he has knocked the guys out in those follow-up fights, but he hasn’t looked fantastic.
He could now face Joshua, who hasn’t got a great chin despite being a good puncher. But who knows what will happen if he explodes one of his bombs on Wilder? If he does, he may knock him over – but it might change if Wilder was to get a big punch in.
Joshua has been wobbled by Dillian Whyte and been on the floor against Wladimir Klitschko. Even in his last fight he got caught a couple of times.
If Wilder fought Joshua over here, AJ would be favourite but I would just go for the American. I feel anyone who catches Joshua would cause him a problem. It would be close, but my money would be on Wilder.
Cracking
I’ll be at ringside in Newcastle tonight for what promises to be a cracking rematch between Liam Smith and Liam Williams.
Smith claimed a controversial superwelterweight win when Williams retired with a cut eye in their first meeting back in April.
I promote both of them but I will sit there impartially. It’s a very important fight between two guys who are at the very top of their game.
The winner will meet the great WBO champion Miguel Cotto, unless he vacates the title.
Who will win tonight? Let’s just say I hope it’s Liam!