By Edward Chaykovsky
Regardless of his opponent's massive underdog status, WBC Continental Americas Champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs) is not going to overlook heavyweight journeyman Jason Gavern (25-16-4, 11 KOs) on Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. The fight will be part of a fight broadcast on Showtime Extreme.
Wilder, the mandatory challenger to the WBC title, is one step away from facing champion Bermane Stiverne. All he needs to do is get past Gavern, with the fight against Stiverne likely landing in the fall.
"I'm right at the door. All I've got to do is ring the bell or knock to get inside. Everybody has their opinion on who I should fight, and I know this is a risk fight. Jason [Gavern] comes to fight every time. And you've got to respect that. I've definitely not looking past Jason, but I'm looking through him," Wilder said.
"I love boxing, and I love what I do. I love being surrounded by other fighters and champions. I love the atmosphere and the fans, just everything that's involved with boxing. I was very eager and very hungry to get back in the ring."