Deontay Wilder should consider squeezing in 4 fights this year IMO

[Nubia]

He's very lucky to have an early January date.

Last year he fought 3 times and while it kept him busy, it just simply wasn't enough to put him where he needs to be in terms of recognition.

He needs to do what Donaire did in 2012 and fight maybe 2 elite fighters and 2 solid defenses against contenders. One of those fights should obviously include Povetkin, that is of course if Povetkin doesn't run away from the challenge altogether. This could lead to a showdown with Fury early next year or maybe even late this year if Fury wins the rematch against the Klit.

[.!WAR MIKEY!.]

why not 6 since he is fighting prospect level opponents.

[Shrap]

It doesn't matter how many fights he squeezes in, he just needs to fight a legit opponent.

[Nubia]

why not 6 since he is fighting prospect level opponents.

Scott, Stiverne and Splzilka are prospects? Are you slow?

[BigAlexSand]

I can see 4, but most likely 3. After this fight, he should push for a April/May fight wit Povetkin and then Fury in November/Decemeber. This over course all depends on how his body holds up and keeping from injuries in the ring.

I enjoy Wilder and hope he is serious in wanting the Povetkin and Fury fight. If he wins both, I'll be the happiest man alive to see Anthony Joshua Vs Deontay Wilder in 2017.

[Nubia]

It doesn't matter how many fights he squeezes in, he just needs to fight a legit opponent.

Well, obviously Povetkin will be one. But will he get any credit when he wins or will they make excuses?

[bigdunny1]

It doesn't matter how many fights he squeezes in, he just needs to fight a legit opponent.

Exactly the amount of fights he has is not the problem. The level of the opponents he has faced is his problem.

[Shrap]

Well, obviously Povetkin will be one. But will he get any credit when he wins or will they make excuses?

If he beats Povetkin he will absolutely get credit, that will be an excellent win. Povetkin is elite.

[BigAlexSand]

Well, obviously Povetkin will be one. But will he get any credit when he wins or will they make excuses?

Haters always make excuses but real fans will show respect.

Povetkin wasn't used to fighting in the US doe....
Povetkin has never been tested this way for a fight doe...
Wilder has screws because of an injury and the metal is the same Wolverine has doe...
Wilder KO'ed Povetkin in 1 but he was still there doe...

It can keep going on and on and on and on.............

[Scott9945]

It really depends on how the fights go. Last year Wilder worked harder than most expected in his title defenses against low level opponents. If he has a tougher fight this year, there won't be four fights, maybe not even three.