By Edward Chaykovsky
WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32KOs) says his right hand is punching very strong in training camp. Wilder captured the WBC title from Bermane Stiverne on January 17th, but fractured his right hand in the process.
Wilder is fully healed up and ready to make the first defense of his world title on June 13th, before his hometown fans, at the Bartlow Arena in Alabama.
The dangerous puncher will stake his undefeated record against Eric Molina, in what is going to be the Showtime televised main event.
Wilder was medically cleared to return last month.
"Definitely would have been back in the ring [sooner] if it wasn't for the hand," Wilder said to Alabama.com. "The only thing that matters is that we're back."
"My doctor said he's never seen a person so strong with his punching hand. That I've got small pins in my hand that keep the bone straight but I hit so hard that I end up bending the pins in my hand. He's never seen anybody have such power like that.
"I've been doing a lot of rehab after the fight. The hand's definitely feeling good. We've been back in the gym. We stayed in the gym. This is my job. I love to do it. I'm just ready to put on a great show. We're just looking forward to June 13."