There was only one name on Deontay Wilder’s lips after he put Bermane Stiverne to sleep on Saturday night.
Wilder required just one round to dispose of the late stand-in challenger for his WBC heavyweight title and he did so in typically reckless style.
Having replaced the suspended Luis Ortiz, Stiverne remained hopeful of avenging his unanimous decision defeat to Wilder in 2015 but, as it turned out, the rematch was far more comprehensive.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ dropped Stiverne no fewer than three times in the first round of his latest title defence and displayed his trademark wild style in putting his challenger down for the count with his last flurry of the evening.
Deontay Wilder is a BAAAAAAAAAAAD man! #WilderStiverne2 pic.twitter.com/Z0l62oihOj
— The Shadow League (@ShadowLeagueTSL) November 5, 2017
Stiverne’s legs folded under him as Wilder’s clubbing hooks landed against the ropes and the American moved to 39-0 as a professional with almost no resistance.
It appears to be something of a toss-up between Wilder and WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in regards to the next opponent for Anthony Joshua, who remains the money fight in the division.
Joshua’s trainer Robert McCracken has previously insisted that he would prefer a clash with Parker before Wilder, while Tyson Fury’s name also continues to be mentioned given his vow to return to the ring in 2018.
But Wilder attempted to shout himself to the front of the queue by declaring war on ‘AJ’ in the wake of his win.
“I’ve been waiting on that fight for a long time now,” Wilder said. “I declare war upon you. Do you accept my challenge?
“I know I’m the champion, I know I’m the best. Are you up for the test?”
