Deontay Wilder vs. Johann Duhaupas: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (34-0, 33 KO) defends his title for the second time Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, against Frenchman Johann "The Reptile" Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KO).
This will be Wilder's second straight bout in his native Alabama, and he's looking to make title defenses in 'Bama commonplace.
When: Saturday, October 24, at 8:30 p.m. ET
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Where: Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports
This will be Wilder's Premier Boxing Champions debut. He's not facing a major opponent, but he could take on the winner of the Wladimir Klitschko-Tyson Fury scrap that is scheduled for October 24. If this is going to be a tuneup bout for Wilder, he'll want to shine in front of his hometown fans.
In this interview with Elie Seckbach of EsNews, he talks about facing Klitschko, whom he expects will beat Fury:
Wilder is a big Alabama Crimson Tide football fan, and he appeared on ESPN's College GameDay this past Saturday.
He'll be hoping to avoid another home-field loss for 'Bama sports after the Tide lost at home to the Ole Miss Rebels.
Last Time Out
Wilder
Wilder needs to be working on his defense ahead of this fight and others in the future. In his last fight on June 13, he was rocked in the third round by Eric Molina, but he was able to right the ship and regain control.
Molina's game plan was to counter with a big right hand over the top of Wilder's omnipresent jab. He didn't throw much of a jab of his own, and Wilder dominated the fight based on his stiff range-maintaining stabs. By the ninth round, Wilder had earned himself a KO victory.
Overall, this performance was a bit of a letdown from the champion. Molina was a game underdog who gave Wilder more than he bargained for in his hometown.
Duhaupas
The 34-year-old won a 10-round majority decision over Manuel Charr in his last bout on April 10. Duhaupas fought at one of the heaviest weights of his career against Charr. Per BoxRec, Duhaupas weighed in at 241.5 pounds in that fight, and it would appear he'll want to carry some bulk into a scrap with Wilder.
The length and athleticism advantages should be in Wilder's favor, but the champion's legs are thin. Duhaupas might be able to find an edge if he can get inside and use his weight to wear Wilder down.
Prediction
Wilder will likely be guarded against another potentially disappointing showing in Alabama. He won't be as eager to chase the knockout early as he was against Molina. By taking his time and allowing his length and power to do the work, he'll get the stoppage win inside three rounds.
Duhaupas has lost twice in his career, but he's never been stopped. There's a good chance that changes Saturday.
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