Possessing legendary power in the prime of his career, many believed that there may not have been a puncher quite as powerful as Deontay Wilder.
The ‘Bronze Bomber’ has a lengthy highlight reel, which is filled with plenty of venomous knockouts. This even includes forcing Tyson Fury into a remarkable recovery in their first meeting.
Although he no longer reigns as world champion, his time at the top of the division was an exciting one. It is yet to be seen whether or not he can reach those heights again, however, Wilder is set to return in 2025.
With 42 of his 43 wins coming by way of knockout, only one man has been able to withstand the power of Wilder. However, in their second meeting, Wilder would amend the blemish on his record.
Deontay Wilder brought the distance by Bermane Stiverne in 2017
Wilder’s first world title opportunity would see his knockout streak be snapped. Starting his career in 2008, his win via knockout would be the first of 32 in a row, before facing Bermane Stiverne.
Stiverne was the WBC World Heavyweight champion and had a professional record of 24-1-1. However, his lone loss had come via stoppage.
Despite this, Wilder would not be able to find the finish when he fought Stiverne in Las Vegas in January 2015. Instead, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ would claim his first world title via unanimous decision.
After the title bout, Wilder would return to his knockout streak, defending the title five times by stoppage before meeting Stiverne again.
Deontay Wilder vs Bermane Stiverne II would have a much different outcome
For their sequel bout, Wilder and Striverne met in New York, in November 2017. Since their first bout, Stiverne had fought just once, winning via unanimous decision.
In their second meeting, Wilder was clearly eager to knock out the one opponent who survived his power. Starting with a sharp and powerful jab, the champion was controlling the fight in the opening stages of the fight.
With just under a minute left in the round, a wicked one-two combination from Wilder would find the mark of his opponent, scoring a knockdown.
Stiverne was able to return to action against Wilder, before getting dropped again after the first exchange. However, he would get up for a second time.
Then, after running at his opponent, Wilder threw several heavy blows at the challenger, melting him against the ropes with just two seconds left on the clock. Stiverne would not recover from the third knockdown, as the fight was waved off.
The victory was the sixth title defense for the champion, and Wilder would go on to fight Fury for the first time the following year.