Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao is a very big fan of the dangerous punching power of WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder.
Wilder will defend his world title in a rematch with Tyson Fury on February 22nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
They fought to a controversial twelve round split draw in December 2018 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In the first bout, Wilder dropped Fury twice - in the ninth and twelfth rounds. He was unable to finish Fury, who frustrated the champion with his defense and boxing ability.
Wilder was very wild the first time around, but most expect him to be a lot more patient in the rematch.
Fury is expected to by more cautious, after nearly getting knocked out in the final round of the first bout.
Pacquiao is backing Wilder to come away with the win in the rematch. Both boxers compete under the Premier Boxing Champions umbrella.
“I like Wilder because of that power and he is always looking to get the knockout,” said Pacquiao to Yahoo Sports.
“Wilder makes exciting fights. He gives the people a good fight all the time. He reminds me of [former undisputed heavyweight champion] Mike Tyson because when he hits people [they go out].”
While Fury is viewed as the better boxer of the two big men, Pacquiao does not see that aspect being a factor - because the Filipino superstar explains that Wilder's power can influence Fury's entire fighting and force him to change his entire game plan at a moment's notice.
“In boxing, it’s an advantage if you are a good boxer, but when you have a strong opponent like Wilder, it can change your style,” Pacquiao said. “It changes your focus because you have to worry about that power. Strength is a big factor.”