Wilder should emulate Holyfield, maybe
Credit to Author: Conrad M. Cariño| Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:14:55 +0000
I did not expect the rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder to end so soon, or the corner of the American fighter throwing in the towel in the seventh round as their ward took a continuous beating.
Unlike in their first fight, Wilder look a bit hapless from the opening round as Fury kept applying pressure on the American and landing punches with impunity. Somehow, the superior size of Fury played a big role in the fight.
During the weigh in for the fight, Wilder tipped the scales at 231 pounds while Fury was at 273 pounds, or a gap of 42 pounds. In their first fight, Wilder weighed 212 pounds and Fury, 256.5 pounds, for a gap of 44.5. But in their first fight, Fury elected to box and not use size advantage.
In their second fight, it looked like Fury was no longer scared of walking down Wilder for the rest of the fight.
I really do not know yet if there was something wrong with Wilder. Blood was flowing from Wilder’s right ear and that may indicate a busted eardrum.
The American put up a gallant resistance till end, demonstrating his warrior character. But his corner made the right decision to throw in the towel, as there was no sense to risk the long-term health of their fighter. Thus, it was better to not to get Wilder badly beaten so he can fight anew.
The American fighter can still recover and look for a third fight against the Brit, although that is risky as Fury gained a great psychological edge because of his stoppage win over the weekend.
Despite their show of intense hatred during the pre-fight build up, Fury still gave tribute to Wilder, calling the American a warrior. Fury even said his rival will back and be champion again.
For his part, Wilder gave no excuses and said top-level boxing is about the best facing the best.
Wilder added there were “complications” heading into the fight and that may be some kind of injury. In their first fight, Wilder said he underwent an operation for a broken right prior to training camp.
Wilder’s camp, however, can consider what Evander Holyfied did to become one of the most respected and enduring heavyweight champions of his era despite his being a “small heavyweight.”
While Wilder has proven that he can pack a mean right from his lean frame, he may need to bulk up if he wants do be dominant anew in an era where the heavyweights are literally getting heavy.
At 6’7”, Wilder’s ideal fighting weight, gauging from the current crop of heavies, should be at least 245 pounds. And 250 pounds would be ideal.
I find it even ridiculous that Wilder sometimes fights at weight equivalent to those of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, during a time when heavyweights were usually below 220 pounds.
As for the 6’2” Holyfield, he is still considered the greatest cruiserweight of all time, and that was when the weight limit for that division was 190 pounds. The weight limit for cruiserweight today is 200 pounds. So, when Holyfield invaded the heavyweight ranks, he had to add significant muscular weight to become competitive.
Holyfield became a four-time heavyweight champion and his biggest win in the division was a stoppage over Mike Tyson in November 1996.
Holyfield was sometimes referred to as a “manufactured heavyweight” since he underwent intense weight training to add bulk to his physique. And the late Fred Hattfield, known as “Dr. Squat,” was the brains behind Holyfield’s bulking up and gaining more strength. Hattfield was one of the first individuals to squat 1,000 pounds.
Holyfields peak fighting weight was below 220 pounds, but at 6’2” that was what all he needed, since the heavyweights of his time were unlike the giants now dominating the sport.
If Wilder packs on functional bodyweight the way Holyfield did, that would help him greatly in getting back to the top and staying there. And while Hattfield may no longer be around, sports science has advanced so much that there are a lot of trainers who even may have better knowledge than Dr. Squat in leveling up a athlete’s prowess.’
And like Holyfield, Wilder can become champion anew in the boxing’s glamour division.