Stiverne's lack of athleticism was why I was never confident he would win this fight. It all depended on Wilder's chin, and Wilder showed he could take some moderate shots. Wilder's chin is still untested. But his overall athleticism, combined with the jab and reach, remain his major asset. So Wilder will match up well against any heavyweight who lacks genuine speed (as in footspeed) and size (ability to lean on him and physically tire him out). If Wilder can get into the physical condition necessary to go 12 rounds moving well (he stopped moving well after round 4 and Stiverne started landing occasionally), then he's a threat to anyone in the division. Stiverne was too slow. Arreola was made for him, because Arreola came right at him, allowing Stiverne to conserve his energy and counterpunch. Against Wilder, Stiverne ended up gassing quicker because he was chasing Wilder around the ring without success. Povetkin would be an interesting opponent because he is so explosive (not so much with his feet, but definitely with his hands). Pulev is also an interesting matchup. Pulev might be too slow as well (the speed gap was evident vrs Klitschko) but perhaps crafty enough to time Wilder. Fury/Wilder would be a great fight and we would finally see what Wilder's chin is made of. Wilder would have the footspeed advantage but Fury could likely use his size to tie him up in a corner and unload.
I thought it was his discipline. How many mistakes did he make, even after he must have realised Stiverne wasn't going to beat him? Very, very few. Really mature performance given his limited experience.
Why is it that every black fighter is coined ATHLETIC ? Wilder looks lanky and uncoordinated to me ? That's not exactly the definition of athletic !
His feet weren't that fast. Stiverne's slow baby steps to Wilders lanky long steps meant Stiverne was always one step behind. His feet were horribly slow.
Considering he had a football and basketball scholarship for college, I'd say he is athletic. Boxing is not even his most talented sport by all accounts. atsch It has nothing to do with him being black, and everything to do with him actually being athletic. Playing multiple sports at a high level requires a degree of athleticism.
Very true. Wilder stuck to the game plan, which was moving away from Stiverne. Stiverne kept shuffling after him, hoping to get Wilder to exchange, but Wilder would jab and move off to the left.
:hi: I know plenty of people that play a lot of sports ? Just not very well . He is clumsy and awkward . That's not athletic :deal
Almost anyone that size is going to be somewhat clumsy and awkward. Joshua (and I suppose LeBron James) are exceptions that come to mind. And Joshua is the only fighter of that size dimension (except for prime Wlad) who is comparable to Wilder in terms of pure athleticism.
Wilder showed some good traits last night. His foot speed was not actually one of them. Sure he was faster than lead footed Stiverne, but he still has some ways to go in utilizing his footwork. What Wilder did show was his ability to be patient and stick to a plan. He paced himself fairly well, and remained calm under the pressure. His balance was very improved because of this too. He did not look clumsy and swinging for the fences with every punch; as he has in previous fights. Overall good performance from Wilder last night. I hope he continues to make improvements.
:yep Wow . You just made my point . He won because of his SIZE . Most guys his size are clumsy and awkward ( like him ) as you just stated :good
It was a combination of things. Height, reach, overall speed (not just footspeed), Stiverne's inability to cut off the ring and his low work rate.
