Wilder takes another big step in boxing career

Wilder takes another big step in boxing career
Mark E. Ortega
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
August 11, 2013

INDIO, Calif. | Deontay Wilder, the 2008 Olympic heavyweight boxing bronze medalist, barely broke a sweat Friday night en route to dispatching Sergei Liakhovich in less than two minutes at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino.

The former WBO heavyweight champion was supposed to provide Wilder, a Tuscaloosa native, solid work in extending him past the fourth round for the first time. Instead, Liakhovich didn’t make it through the first round. Previously, no opponent had been able to get rid of the Scottsdale, Ariz., resident in less than nine rounds.

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Wilder scores another first-round knockout

Wilder scores another first-round knockout
Mark E. Ortega
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
August 10, 2013

INDIO, Calif. | Tuscaloosa native and American heavyweight hopeful Deontay Wilder was expected to be in the ring with his toughest opponent Friday night when he met former WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich.

Instead, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Wilder delivered the most brutal knockout defeat of Liakhovich’s career, knocking him down just 43 seconds into the opening round with a combination that started with a short right hook.

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Wilder blasts Liakhovich in one round on ShoBox

Wilder blasts Liakhovich in one round on ShoBox
Mark E. Ortega
RingTV.com
August 9, 2013


INDIO, Calif. – 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Deontay Wilder had never gone more than four rounds in his professional career. Veteran Sergei Liakhovich, who previously had never been stopped before the ninth round, seemed the guy to extend the undefeated KO artist.

However, the former WBO titleholder didn't make it a full minute. The bout headlined a three fight ShoBox card at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino.

That Liakhovich was stopped wasn't the surprise, the way in which Wilder sent him spiraling to the canvas 43 seconds in was.

“Sometimes it scares me when I can tap a guy and hit him and they just fall,” said Wilder after the knockout. “Did you see the reaction when I hit him? It was like he was falling from a roof or something.”

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Wilder ready for step up with next fight

Wilder ready for step up with next fight
Mark E. Ortega
Special to The Tuscaloosa News
August 9, 2013

INDIO, Calif. | Tuscaloosa heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, takes his first big step up in class tonight when he meets former WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich in a 10-round main event. The card will be televised on Showtime.

Wilder has a perfect 28-0 record with 28 knockouts since turning professional almost five years ago. None of those knockouts have come against a fighter in the class of Liakhovich, who in 2006 upset the odds by earning a decision victory over Lamon Brewster to win a version of the heavyweight title.

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