Wilder and Mbilli Prevail in their Friday Features

Deontay Wilder and Christian Mbilli headlined two different Friday night main events with contrasting story lines. Wilder, the 39 year-old former WBC heavyweight titlist once headlined cards at The Kingdom Arena, T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand, Barclay Center and the Staples Center. Last night he fought the unknown Tyrrell Herndon at the obscure Charles Koch Arena in the not so boxing capitol Wichita, Kansas. Mbilli on the other hand is 30 years-old and knocking on the door of his first world championship opportunity. He fought in front of a packed house of passionate Canadian fans in Quebec. He faced the familiar Pole Maciej Sulecki. While both men scored technical knockout victories, the aftermath is very different

Deontay Wilder TKO’s Tyrrell Herndon in 7

Wilder secured his first win in three years and just his second since 2020. The former champion has been plagued by inactivity (one bout per calendar year since 2020), changed trainers again to Don House and is in a custody battle with his ex-fiance. At 39 the power is certainly among the last things to go and Deontay always had plenty behind his punch. The problem is that his other attributes have clearly begun to fade as some of his technical deficiencies are still present. Wilder was brutally knocked out by Tyson Fury in their third bout and Zhilei Zhang also scored a highlight real knockout over The Bronze Bomber. After the Zhang fight it was clear that Deontay’s time at the top was over. When he sat out the rest of 2024 I was under the belief that he was finished.

Wilder did his part last night in Kansas dropping his over matched opponent twice but did not look great doing it. Deontay lacks the explosive movement that combined with his power to score highlight reel knockouts. His punches are not delivered as quickly or as accurately as they once were. He still has a tendency to windmill with wild shots and fall of balance when he throws. Herndon was able to evade a few wild swings but only managed to land one really effective counter in round four. Herndon did not give much back in return only coming to life briefly in round four and six with brief combinations and counters. He was a perfect opponent for Wilder who never took the initiative nor forced any sort of fight.

Wilder to his credit used his left hand very effectively and fought a mostly disciplined fight. The jab was constant and probably the most active he has been with the left hand. Obviously the opponent had something to do with that but it was a good improvement none the less. He had a nice counter left hook as well and dug a couple of left hooks to the body which is not a punch the former belt holder was known for. Critics have been quick to say the power is gone, neither knockdown was particularly devastating and Herndon seemed more tired than knocked out. There were some solid right hands that Wilder threw that were direct and straight punches with perfect form. I think a lot of Wilder’s punching is chalked up to his explosive athleticism with much of his criticism stemming from poor fundamentals. There were several right hands that were perfect but without the speed they lacked the concussive effect.

My honest belief is that Wilder should retire unless he desperately needs the money. The man held the WBC belt for five years and made ten successful title defenses. He is past his prime, received three brutal losses and had some other performances that signal his time is up. If he wants to face the Herndon’s of the world I would not complain though I also would not be too interested either. There is some signaling about the Anthony Joshua fight and I do not have much interest in it. Joshua while also declining seems to have more in the tank and is better positioned for meaningful fights in an interesting heavyweight landscape. Joshua is also four years younger and has more of his abilities left. Wilder has the power to KO Joshua but I don’t know if he has the delivery to make it matter or the defense and punch resistance to survive the punches in return.

Mbilli Sends the Fans Home Early in Quebec

It only took Christian Mbilli 2:28 to dispose of Maciej Sulecki last night in Canada. The number one ranked for the WBC at super middleweight was awarded the interim title with the victory. Sulecki is a capable boxer who has come up short in his biggest fights. Ranked only seventh by the WBC I am surprised that he was in an interim title fight. In fact Diego Pacheco who also knocked out Sulecki is ranked higher in the WBC and would be a much more interesting fight. Rant aside, Mbillin handled business and made short work of his opponent. A short right uppercut dropped Sulecki who rose to beat the count but was still on shaky legs when referee Michael Griffin waved him off. Mbilli is now the mandatory challenger for Canelo Alvarez though I am not so sure Alvarez will fight him. I am also unsure if the WBC would every strip Alvarez, they did strip him for not facing Gennady Golovkin in the past.

The division is pretty wide open when you exclude Alvarez. David Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight and I have doubts about whether he can shave off the seven pounds required to return. Caleb Plant was just upset in a stale performance this spring. Jermall Charlo returned with a stoppage and if back to 100% would be a cool opponent for Mbilli. The division has some youth and some unproven fighters still in development. Mbilli could fit in nicely among the ranked guys at the weight class. The world waits to see what happens with Alvarez and Terrence Crawford who are set to meet in September. Based on everything I have seen I do not give Mbilli a chance against Alvarez but it is the type of fight I would like to see.