Deontay Wilder looks to prove himself against heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne

By Robert Morales,  Long Beach Press-Telegram

Heavyweight contender Deontay Wilder has knocked out everyone he has faced as a professional. Thirty-two have come up, 32 have gone down inside the distance. His ring record is void of anyone of real note, however, and that has many still wondering just how real he might be.

Deontay Wilder, seen during his first-round knockout of Malik Scott in March, takes on Bermane Stiverne for his world heavyweight title Jan. 17 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (Ricardo Arduengo/The Associated Press)

One thing’s certain: Wilder and the rest of the boxing world will find out Jan. 17 when Wilder challenges Bermane Stiverne of Canada for his world title at MGM Grand in Las Vegas (on Showtime).

Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has heard the talk. He knows the doubters are out there.

“I don’t want anyone to make excuses to me,” he said. “I don’t want people to discredit me anymore. The time has come to change that. I have heard nothing but excuses for my 32 wins by KO and when I get 33, I don’t want to hear anything about it.”

Count Stiverne among those who believe Wilder’s list of opponents leaves something to be desired.

“He’s fought nobody,” Stiverne said.

Perhaps Wilder’s best victory came in the form of a first-round knockout of Malik Scott in March. Scott was 36-1-1 going in, but he’s not even a top 15 heavyweight.

Wilder also knocked out Siarhei Liakhovich in the first round in August 2013. Liakhovich held a title briefly in 2006, but at 38 is no longer anywhere near that fighter.

That’s probably why Wilder, 29, is eager to prove he’s legitimate.

“I have a chance to shock the world and I can’t wait for it,” he said. “I think this is the most anticipated heavyweight bout in a long time. There’s a lot of energy in my home city. This is my time. This is me.

“I don’t want to be compared to other fighters. I want to build my own legacy.”

Source: www.dailynews.com/sports/20141226/deontay-wilder-looks-to-prove-himself-against-heavyweight-champion-bermane-stiverne