I figured that’s it, and I can accept that, although I disagree with it to a degree. I think he was a special but flawed fighter who relied heavily on natural gifts, in a division where those gifts are amplified by sheer size. During the top of his run, I don’t think there’s *that* much separating he and AJs resumes save for the win over an aging Wladimir (which is a big factor, granted, lol) Obviously since around the second Fury fight, the distance between them has widened considerably and AJ has looked better even in losses.
I can see why you might think that, but fundamentally disagree. In my view provenness is key - it's easier to look good against easier opponents... So Wilder's poor resume makes it difficult to tell if he was ever that "special" fighter, or just naturally capable up to a certain ceiling (which was "not quite legit contender" level, at best). That doesn't mean he wasn't entertaining, but at the same time the ducking whilst in charge of a belt wasn't good for the sport... And nor was the whole wanting a body thing. Honestly, I think that's ludicrous - Wilder's best win (Ortiz) wouldn't make Joshua's top 5... And there's a reason Joshua was happy to take Ortiz on short notice and Ortiz wanted no part. Below Ortiz, there's an even bigger gulf between the two - they're not remotely comparable resumes IMHO. Or the second Fury fight was the first time Wilder met a legit contender who wasn't bothered unfit and very rusty... And subsequently the losses to Parker and even Zhang are as much down to having had his level found (and weakness on the back foot exposed). Fundamentally though, we'll never fully know because of Wilder's refusal to fight - I just think the evidence is overwhelming.
Depends what is meant by "bigger" To boxing fans now, yes AJ vs Dubois is a bigger and better fight, it means more as well as it's for Dubois' IBF (paper) title But to casuals who make up the majority of viewership, AJ vs Wilder is probably still a bigger fight even now, because Wilder is a recognisable name, Dubois to most casuals especially outside the UK is simply not a big name.
Joshua V Wilder is a REALLY hard sell now. I mean it's virtually impossible. Joshua is still in good shape meanwhile Wilder is an emaciated old man who got absolutely destroyed in 4 of his last 5 fights. They weren't close defeats. He was battered.
My take is the complete reverse here. I can't understand how people can watch Wilder at his peak against Ortiz and not see that it was only a matter of time before he would lose to opposition on about that level, never mind higher. A 4-5 years younger Ortiz would in all likelihood have been enough. Does anyone really think Wilder would even have been 50-50 against Povetkin when that fight was supposed to happen? Ngannou did better than him against Fury to put things in perspective, and I can't even see many advantages Wilder has against Ngannou. Handspeed and height, but that's about it.
Something tells me Dubois will KO Joshua. Usyk faced both and after the fight with Dubois he said to him he has a remarkable potential and Usyk is a wise man. Dubois is no longer a simple puncher imo. After Joyce he improved a lot. As to Joshua v Wilder I hope the bout will never happen. Wilder is completely done, Joshua would KO him within 5 rounds. Wilder should retire. His time has passed.
Well I suppose this is a good time to clarify my thoughts on Wilder. Like you, I think the Ortiz fight, and the first Fury fight, are good examples of who he was as a fighter…. I look at it more positively though.. a guy who was very limited, susceptible to being out boxed and even out worked; But with a unique combination of qualities that enabled him to make it not matter and delete his opponents instantly. Speed, timing, heart, awkwardness and of course power.. nothing technical - at least not intentionally so. Over 12 rounds it’s hard to count out a guy with that ability.
He's obviously seriously shot, but it suits the agenda to say he was exposed to bring down Fury. The same Fury that is bigger up for Usyk. You couldn't make it up lol I still think Wilder would have Comatosed Aj had they fought in their primes, but obviously Aj would crush him now I'd love to see Aj show the heart and take beatings like Wilder did against Fury. That knockdown in the 10th round should have been it, but Wilder got up. Aj would have folded like a paper bag long before and quit like he did vs Ruiz It only tool Aj 5 years of carefully picked opponents outside of Usyk to bring back his fragile confidence
AJ v Wilder will always be the bigger fight because (rightly or wrongly) Wilder is still viewed by most as the bigger puncher. It's also a bigger PPV draw due to casual interest. I still think style wise Wilder is all wrong for AJ, but Wilder is well past his prime so AJ would be entering as a favourite.
Agreed on all points, I too always had Wilder over AJ prime for prime. Not even that I think he’s necessarily a better fighter, I just think it’s a good match up for Wilder and a not so good one for AJ.
