I thought about this matchup many times. Only one question: Would Wilder KO Valuev or not? Valuev was a very tough guy and was only really rocked once by a blind punch of Haye, basically the final round of his career. He slipped a little bit vs Jean-Francois Bergeron after a punch to the chin, but except of that he was never really hurt or rocked. Wilders punch was damn devastating...could Valuev take it or would Wilder KO him? I would say Wilder does KO him, but i dont know how Deontay would react if he connects many times and Nikolai doesnt go down...Wilder isnt used to that.
I think wilders activity and aggressive style wins this. but Valuev’s size, durability and survival tactics see him to the distance. wilder on points
The last time Wilder fought a durable behemoth with less than stellar punching power, he was stopped. This fight could go either way.
I'd take Wilder by ko. A cautious Haye had him wobbling in the 12th and Valuev didn't exactly stare down a ton of murderous punchers.
I dunno. Wilder has big firepower but woeful defence himself. Valuev is slow as molasses but he managed to land on fighters with better defence than Wilder. I think I'll take Valuev on points. Duhaupas gave Wilder every kind of problem when he wouldn't go down and Valuev is betetr than Duhaupas even if its because he's so damn big
