Everyone knew Deontay Wilder could punch. Everyone knew Deontay Wilder has more potential than most in this game. Everyone wanted to see how his attributes would fair against “The White Wolf”.
Siarhei Liakhovich is a proud former title holder in the heavyweight division, who has recently taken on the role of gate keeper to young heavyweight title contenders. A thankless job where you are expected to lose, yet, at the same time, provide a challenge for your opponent that has not yet showed up on their resume.
The “White Wolf” played this role against Robert Helinius and Bryant Jennings. After Helinius was through with his exam, the critics came out and the majority rule was maybe this guy is a tad overrated.
After Bryant Jennings finished his “White Wolf” exam, the majority rule was there may be a lot more potential, than first believed, with this American heavyweight from Philadelphia.
After their exams, both Helinius and Jennings have moved forward in their careers, in a fashion that has correlated with the public opinion from their “White Wolf” exam.
With validity on its side, Deontay Wilder became the next young talent to take the exam.
Going into the fight Saturday night, Wilder demolished all 28 of his opponents. With Audley Harrison being the most recognizable name on his resume, however, there was still a ‘wait and see’ approach to Wilder. Albeit, with a buzz of great anticipation surrounding it.
The consensus was that the Liakhovich would no doubt extend Wilder some rounds, reveal some things about him we have yet to see. This is not to suggest anyone thought for one second Deontay could be upset by Siarhei; it was just supposed to be a little more difficult.
Wilder shattered this belief very quickly when he clobbered Liakhovich with sledgehammer right hands that sent the “White Wolf” quivering to the canvas, like he was hit with the bubonic plague.
Now that Deontay Wilder aced an exam that other young heavyweight prospects just passed, the question is what perspective does the boxing world put it in?
Wilder is now 29-0, with 29 KO’s, but still relatively inexperienced and certainly unchallenged. He also is winning heavyweight prize fights, in a fashion, we have not seen since the likes of Mike Tyson.
Now that he aced his first of many tests in this game, he has to move forward against higher tier opponents. Good luck getting anyone who has a lot to lose getting to sign on the dotted line to face Wilder. Competitive fights may be harder than any challenge Deontay has had in the ring up until now.
