Szpilka was never a big win. Prior to Wilder he has been down against David Saulsberry, went life and death with a past prime Mike Mollo, got his jaw broken against McCline and went over the distance in a close fight while Abdusalamov destroyed him in two rounds. He went the full distance against Brian Minto and was outclassed against Bryant Jennings. To be considered a big win, you CAN'T lose against Bryant Jennings.
Why though? He was dropped and struggled with Cunningham. I think AJ calling Wlad his toughest fight is more foolish.
Because hindsight is always 20/20. If Fury barrels through Usyk does that mean Cunninghan is a tougher opponent? Was Edward Norton a tougher opponent than George Foreman?
Yeah I think people have short memories and forget how hyped and highly rated Bute was prior to Froch dismantling him.
What I found ironic later on in boxing was the fact that Andy Ruiz Jr didn't learn anything from Buster Douglas. Douglas got way out of shape after his win over Tyson and lost what he worked so hard for. Disgraced himself coming in fifteen to twenty pounds overweight. Not only did Ruiz jr not learn from Busters mistakes, he replicated them to the letter.
Wilder's over Stiverne. Only "win" Stiverne had after was a controversial decision over on the slide gatekeeper Rossy, getting dropped in the process.