BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Deontay Wilder is trying to emulate Larry Holmes, both in becoming the world’s dominant heavyweight champion and in cultivating a pinpoint left jab while sidelined by a right hand injury.
Returning from a pair of injuries to his right arm and flush from a court victory, the WBC heavyweight champion returns to the ring Saturday night against unbeaten and mostly unknown Gerald Washington (18-0-1, 12 knockouts) at Legacy Arena. He’s hoping it’s the start of a year when he begins adding belts to the one he’s dubbed “Sophie.”
Washington is a 34-year-old former Southern California tight end and defensive end. He is also a former Navy helicopter mechanic who turned pro less than five years ago.
The 31-year-old Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) is making his fifth title defense and fourth in Birmingham, about an hour from his Tuscaloosa hometown. He had surgeries to repair a broken right hand and torn right biceps sustained in last summer’s fight against Chris Arreola. Trainer Jay Deas said they quickly returned to the ring even with that arm in a sling, working on his left, a la Holmes.
“Holmes had a very average to decent jab until he broke his right hand,” Deas said. “When he broke his right hand early in his career, he spent 6-8 weeks just on the left hand and became arguably the greatest (jabber) in heavyweight history. We took a page out of that book.”
The 6-foot-7 Wilder predicts a lot of jabs in the fight with the 6-5 Washington, both tall, athletic fighters.
Holmes and fellow former heavyweight champions Evander Holyfield and Earnie Shavers – along with WBO titlist Joseph Parker – are expected to be on hand at Legacy Arena.
Wilder’s recent path has taken unexpected turns. He was on his way to board a flight for Russia last year when he learned opponent Alexander Povetkin had tested positive for meldonium. Wilder instead turned to Arreola, whose corner stopped the fight after the eighth round. Wilder had fought half the fight mostly relying on his left hand following the injuries.
Washington is a late substitute after Polish challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk also failed a drug test. Wilder, who has been a vocal critic of boxing cheaters, already scored one big victory recently, winning a unanimous verdict in a New York title seeking the $5 million he was scheduled to receive for the Povetkin fight last summer.
Wilder said Washington is a better opponent than Wawrzyk and perhaps the most athletic he has faced. The WBC champ said he’s focused on Washington while also “window-shopping” for future fights.