Yeah, not a great Heavyweight matchup, but I’m in no mood to start rambling on about why. For what it’s worth, Artur Szpilka is at least on par with Deontay Wilder’s previous two victims, Eric Molina (TKO 9) and Johann Duhaupas (TKO 11). He’s of the same ilk in terms of threat, anyway. Wilder vs Szpilka will headline at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, on January 16th.
On the plus side, Poland’s Szpilka (20-1, 15 KO) has some pop, carrying a 71% knockout ratio, and is still a pup at 26-years-old. Also, Szpilka almost went 10 rounds with Bryant Jennings (before getting stopped) in early 2014, and is currently riding a four-fight winning streak.
As I’ve already stated, I don’t want to start knocking this fight left right and center. I don’t want to write that he’s four inches shorter than 6’ 7” Wilder (35-0, 34 KO), or that his record is padded with obscure names, and a bunch of fringe contenders/blown up Cruiserweights at best. Whoops, too late…
If you’re as unimpressed with this matchup as I am, perhaps this tagline will help you come to your senses: ‘Brooklyn’s First Heavyweight World Championship in 115 Years’.
“It feels amazing to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title,” Szpilka told Boxing News. “I can’t wait to be the first ever Polish heavyweight to win a world title. I’ve dreamed about this many times, and now my time has come. I’ll be ready to put on a show for my fans and take his belt from him on Jan. 16.”
You read that right: if Szpilka dethrones Wilder, he would not only score a huge upset, but would become the first ever Polish Heavyweight champion. One thing we can expect is a buzzing atmosphere from the Barclays Center, one of 2015’s increasingly popular fight venues which hosted last weekend’s Jacobs vs Quillin.
“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” Wilder said. “I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him. I wish him luck – he’s going to need it. I look forward to winning over the Polish fans after I beat him.
“I know he’s a southpaw and he tends to give up when things get tough in the ring, going off the fight he had with Bryant Jennings. He doesn’t have heart when it gets tough. I look forward to giving the fans plenty of action and excitement on Jan. 16.”
What are your thoughts on Deontay Wilder vs Artur Szpilka? Spill them in the comments, folks.
