Arreola Confident of Shocking Deontay Wilder: I'll Make History!

As previously reported, unbeaten Deontay Wilder will risk his World Boxing Council heavyweight title next month against fellow American Chris Arreola, who has only one win in his past four fights.

Wilder, 36-0 with 35 knockouts, will make his fourth title defense on July 16 in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, against Arreola, 36-4 with one draw and 31 knockouts.

Arreola had a win over Travis Kauffman changed to no decision after a marijuana positive and drew with Fred Kassi in his prior bout. He beat Curtis Harper 15 months ago in his first fight after losing a title contest to Bermane Stiverne.

Wilder was to fight Alexander Povetkin in Russia on May 21 but the challenger failed a drug test and the fight was cancelled. Wilder had been training in Britain, the home for two rival unbeaten heavyweight champions that will defend their crowns before him.

"I'm thankful to Deontay for this opportunity, he has proven a great deal by winning the heavyweight title and by defending it three times," said Arreola. "I'm very excited to step into the ring with him, put on a great show, be victorious and make history by becoming the first Mexican heavyweight world champion."

Anthony Joshua (16-0 with 16 knockouts) will defend his International Boxing Federattion crown on June 25 in London against unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale (17-0 with 15 knockouts) while Tyson Fury (25-0 with 18 knockouts) faces a July 9 rematch in Manchester with Ukraine's Wladimir Klitschko (64-4 with 53 knockouts), whom he beat by unanimous decision last November in Germany to seize the World Boxing Association throne.

Wilder repeated his aim is to unify the titles as an undisputed champion.