Povetkin easily. I still don't think Wilder could beat Whyte. Regardless of how well you think Whyte did, we have never seen Wilder fight real fighters like Parker and Joshua, and it is because he lacked confidence to do so. He only fought Fury because he thought the man was medically unfit.
Povetkin looks like a huge Harry potter. I know it's off quilter but I give him the nod against Beyonce.
Depends if Wilder can take the early punishment, survive. Either Povetkin will have to get the KO early because in the late rounds Wilder will definately get the KO as Povetkin punches himself out and tires.
Whyte like Breazeale lacks head movement and the ability to feint.. Fury was Wilders biggest stylistic clash at HW because of his movement and constant twitching which leaves Wilder confused on when to attack or defend.. Whyte does not move his head and always punches out of place which would leave him wide open for huge shots. That explains why he’s been dropped in almost all of his recent fights.. The only people at HW who gives Wilder trouble are Fury, Usyk, and Ortiz..
Four years ago Povetkin would have ended it early without any problems. Now, he's 41 and much faded. It's even money.
Biceps surgery aside Wilder has what Wilder always has had, a war crime of a right hand. He lands flush Povetkin goes to sleep. That being said unlike Fury of the first match versus Wilder, I don’t see Povetkin up on his toes, twitching out jabs. Sasha sits down on his punches and knocks out Wilder in six. Povetkin by KO.
Povetkin is not a great dodger but however hes a very good puncher so if Wilder hits well the target he could knock Pov out and viceversa. 50/50 bout.
Povetkin is my favorite HW last years but his punch resistance is gone and his stamina also, not to mention he struggles against very tall fighters due to his height and reach also. So Wilder at this point but before couple of years it was like 60/40 Povetkin.
I think Povetkin has a real chance tbh. A young Pov woul definitely win. I think Povetkins style is all wrong for Wilder. Pov doesn't jab much, he goes in for combinations and damage. If Wilder is smart he'll work on his jab and use his big size difference. But Wilder really doesn't have much of a defense. My gut says wilder KO, but I think Povetkin could cause another big upset.
Back when the fight could have happened I'd pick Povetkin now, if that makes sense (basically I picked Wilder back then but now pick Povetkin for that particular bout). If they fight today I have to give it to Wilder based on the fact that Povetkin is so badly faded and hittable. Who knows though? Wilder might be damaged goods.
