Deontay Wilder will regain the heavyweight title, says a former opponent only to World Boxing News.
Eric Molina, who divided 25 minutes and three seconds in the ring with Wilder ten years ago, says Wilder has power to hit the master’s status twice.
Wilder has a needy run, winning only once since 2019. He returns on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon, trying to make two wins of six duels.
The brown bomber was once the most -talked knockout artist around the world. However, his star disappeared significantly since the trilogy with Tyson Fury.
This lonely victory against Robert Helenius occurred after two paralysis from Fury. Then Wilder faced Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, losing a unanimous decision before detaining the Chinese Yuggernaut.
Molina, who twice, hit the canvas against Alabama Slammer in Bartow Arena in Birmingham, believes that Wilder still has a lot to offer sport at the age of 39.
“Of course, these last two fights were not the best result for him, but to be straightforward, Parker and Zhang were very tough fights for him,” said Molina World Boxing News.
“I think that the style of the duel did not suit him, mainly because of the size of Zhang and Southpaw’s attitude, as well as with Parker’s boxing skills and athleticism.”
When asked about choosing the opponent of Wilder, “The Drummer Boy” replied: “I think this is a good move for Wilder.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for him to work on some things and go out and try to do them.”
Sumio Yamada
Many consider Fury to be a significant reason for the fall of Wilder after the couple divided three brutal duels in 2018–2021.
However, the former weight master in Texas and a two -time claimant for the world title say that critics cannot write back Wilder because of their KO’s abilities.
“I don’t think he should have retired after fury. I think he can connect him and become a champion again,” Molina predicted.
“Why not? Others did it in the history of boxing in weighty weight. Thanks to its power, he can definitely improve some things, go forward and become a champion again,” he added.
Molina, who changed the professional in 2007 on the Mandalay Bay combat card in Las Vegas, had 38 matches during her professional boxing career, but ends with its term.
He challenged Wilder and Anthony Joshua in raucous fights for the title of world champion and has a boxing record 29-9. Molina says that one last chapter may take place.
Tim Bradley believes the growing connections between Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing have less to do with avoiding certain opponents and more to do with the extraordinary financial opportunities currently available in the sport.
Speculation about Haney and Stevenson potentially joining Dana White’s boxing venture has increased in recent weeks, with both fighters having no long-term promotional commitments.
“No one will be able to pay them that amount. It doesn’t matter, wherever else they go, they won’t make that kind of money,” Bradley said on his YouTube channel.
“We remember and we go back to the time when PBC was founded, they were overpaying the players. Eddie Hearn is on DAZN and they started overpaying the players. It’s a period right now for these players, especially at the highest level, if they want to make money on the book, this is the perfect opportunity now.”
“With that in mind, this is why I see Haney and Shakur Stevenson signing on that dotted line,” Bradley said. “How they do it is another matter. How they arrange the contract will be another matter.”
“You only make money like this once in a lifetime. This is a great opportunity for both of these guys because of the type of life-changing money they will receive.”
Stevenson fulfilled his promotional obligations with Matchroom earlier this year after previously leaving Top Rank, leaving the WBC lightweight champion without a formal promoter. Meanwhile, Haney has largely pursued his career alongside his father, Bill Haney, having previously worked with both Matchroom and Top Rank.
Any move involving Haney could still be complicated by his position as the WBO welterweight champion. The sanctioning body recently confirmed that his mandatory against top contender Keyshawn Davis is next, despite discussions about other potential fights.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reports focus on the most critical fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.
As Tyson Fury searches for an August opponent, fan-favorite four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. advises “The Gypsy King” to stay away from two rumored opponents who he believes “could crash the party” ahead of his highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua.
Although AJ is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 in preparation for his clash with Fury, the latter is yet to announce who will be in the opposing team’s corner for his next fight.
As a result, many names have been linked to an attempt to thwart Fury’s plans for a “Battle of Britain” between himself and “AJ”; with Nelson Hysa understood as the current “leading option”.
However, both Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller were also mentioned for away corners. I’m talking to Betting showroomJones told Fury to avoid both men, believing that any “real challenge” could foil his plans.
“I know what they’re doing and I understand the warm-up fights for both of them. I just hope they’re warm-up fights and not real challenges, because if they’re real challenges, no one will win.”
“It happens every time. Every time they fight a real challenge, before they start fighting each other, someone gets defeated.
“So I hope they take real warm-up fights and not real fights, because if they take two real fights, someone’s going to lose. I hope it’s not Andy Ruiz and I hope it’s not ‘Huge Baby’ Miller for Fury.”
“I think Fury can really beat them both, but Andy Ruiz ruined the party on Joshua’s side one time. Please don’t let him ruin the party again.
“Miller is no bum either. Both Miller and Andy Ruiz can crash a party.”
Devin Haney may have his sights set on the long-talked-about fight against Shakur Stevenson, but the WBO has made it clear that another opponent is on the agenda.
Haney and Stevenson recently exchanged messages online in which both men appeared ready to face each other at the 144-pound catchweight division. With neither fighter currently scheduled to return, speculation surrounding the matchup quickly escalated.
However, the sanctioning body maintained its position regarding Haney’s responsibilities as WBO welterweight champion.
“Devin must next release himself from his mandatory duties,” the WBO said Ring.
The statement was released after Keyshawn Davis was elevated to No. 1 in the latest WBO welterweight rankings following his decision to begin his full-time campaign at 147 pounds. The Ring reported that Haney’s mandatory title defense is scheduled to take place in August, leaving little room for alternative plans if he intends to retain the belt.
Keyshawn has already hinted that he is done competing in the welterweight division after victories over Jamain Ortiz and Nahir Albright earlier this year. He later reinforced that commitment by turning down the opportunity to fight Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF 140-pound title.
Haney publicly acknowledged Davis as a potential opponent, but also maintained that the highlight would be the fight with Stevenson. Meanwhile, Stevenson insisted that any fight between the pair would have to be at the 144-pound catchweight.
If Haney fights Stevenson next, it appears the WBO is ready to strip him of his welterweight title. If he wants to remain a champion, the organization’s message remains unchanged: Keyshawn Davis comes first.
Robert Segal is a boxing reporter at Boxing News 24 with over a decade of experience covering fight news, previews and analysis. Known for his first-hand reporting and in-ring perspective, he delivers trustworthy coverage of champions, challengers and emerging talent from around the world.
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