Written by: Sean Crose
So, it looks like the end is near for former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Even if the towering Alabaman continues to fight after his loss to Zhilei Zhang this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia, it's hard to imagine the 38-year-old returning to the roaring form his fans have been hoping for. However, how will fans and history view the man known as the “Brass Bomb?” The truth is, it's really good. Although Wilder did not part with the undisputed heavyweight champion in his possession, he without a doubt endowed his sport with remarkable memories.
I still believe that Wilder was the strongest fighter in the history of boxing. Look at an old photo and ask yourself who was stronger than Wilder. Mike Tyson threw combinations. Wladimir Klitschko's shots, although brutal, did not knock things down. George Foreman? Ernie Shavers? Joe Louis? Jack Dempsey? Powerful fists, all of them – extraordinarily powerful fists. But none of them used to turn on the lights the way Wilder did against the likes of Artur Szpilka and others.
It's also worth remembering that Wilder bought some much-needed excitement to Klitschko's heavyweight tenure. Her personality was colorful as her blows were strong, making the boy a must see sight. Sure he was no-nonsense in his trade, but Wilder was more than just a banger. Nine times out of ten, Wilder found ways to make those punches land. Just ask Tyson Fury, who has taken more of those punches than most fighters. And while Fury ended up hitting Wilder twice and three times, Fury has been open about how damaging Wilder's punches were. Furthermore, there is now an argument, yet to be proven or disproved, doing the rounds that Fury's three fights with Wilder have brought out the best in the Englishman.
One thing that cannot be denied is that Wilder didn't just make his mark in the heavyweight division; he makes a lot of money, too. It's easy to view Wilder as overrated until you study his work objectively. Then you realize that the boy will be dangerous in any sports season. And, again, this man made himself and his family a ton of money. If that wasn't enough, he held the WBC heavyweight title for years.
Of course, Wilder has had his share of down moments. He also pointed out that innocent players are responsible for damaging his record. None of this is acceptable. However, taken as a whole, Deontay Wilder's streak has been one of the strongest in the last decade of heavyweight history.
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