Is Deontay Wilder really a A-Level fighter? If so, why isn't Shawn Porter

[sotgoda]

I agree that Wilder can fight off the backfoot better but that is due to his athleticism(which isn't his fault) But fighting off the back foot doesn't mean **** if you're fighting a guy that can provide prssure like Joshua(go back and Watch Thurman vs Porter) You see, Wilder has yet to fight anyone who can box from the outside, cut off the right, or has equal or close power compared to him. I'm not like you guys who just look at how a fighter dominates his opponent without taking into consideration the quality of opposition. If Wilder has beaten Ortiz and Povetkin I would probably say 50/50. Since he hasn't fought anyone even a tier below Joshua, I am not giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Sheldon, AJ does not know how to cut the ring. Come on now? That much is clear. He cannot deal with anyone who moves well. This was his biggest problem against Takam. AJ's opposition is the same as Wilder, save for Wlad - who in my opinion had grossly declined. It is cool if you don't give him benefit of doubt since he was unable to fight those 2 guys. I can respect that.

p.s: I watched Thurman/Porter - Thurman won because of his ability to move, his power and ability to counter. These are 3 things Wilder does well - even if not as well as Thurman. Hope we can get to see the fight. We can have more informed data then, or if Wilder fights Ortiz or Povetkin.

[Sheldon312]

Sheldon, AJ does not know how to cut the ring. Come on now? That much is clear. He cannot deal with anyone who moves well. This was his biggest problem against Takam. AJ's opposition is the same as Wilder, save for Wlad - who in my opinion had grossly declined. It is cool if you don't give him benefit of doubt since he was unable to fight those 2 guys. I can respect that.

p.s: I watched Thurman/Porter - Thurman won because of his ability to move, his power and ability to counter. These are 3 things Wilder does well - even if not as well as Thurman. Hope we can get to see the fight. We can have more informed data then, or if Wilder fights Ortiz or Povetkin.

Joshua was outpointing Takkam convincingly. Whyte, Takkam, Wlad, and Brezeale are better all better than anything on Wilder's resume. This cannot be disputed. And, I agree, AJ is not a specialist at cutting off the ring but he does it fairly well. Wilder has not even fought anyone who can cut off the ring fairly well.

P.S. Thurman won that fight because he hit Porter with counter punching and defense but that didn't stop Porter from cutting off the ring a bullying him against the ropes. Thurman was able to fight his way out of it because he has great counterpunching abilities, fast hands, and he is not afraid to fight. I do not know how Wilder is going to react when he is getting battered by AJ.

[Binomial]

For me both are world elite level operators.

1 has knocked every opponent he's faced out, the other has been in many big fights and narrowly come out worst off.

[Sheldon312]

For me both are world elite level operators.

1 has knocked every opponent he's faced out, the other has been in many big fights and narrowly come out worst off.

I don't see how Wilder is Elite?

[sotgoda]

Joshua was outpointing Takkam convincingly. Whyte, Takkam, Wlad, and Brezeale are better all better than anything on Wilder's resume. This cannot be disputed. And, I agree, AJ is not a specialist at cutting off the ring but he does it fairly well. Wilder has not even fought anyone who can cut off the ring fairly well.

P.S. Thurman won that fight because he hit Porter with counter punching and defense but that didn't stop Porter from cutting off the ring a bullying him against the ropes. Thurman was able to fight his way out of it because he has great counterpunching abilities, fast hands, and he is not afraid to fight. I do not know how Wilder is going to react when he is getting battered by AJ.

Joshua was outpointing Takam convincingly. I agree. But the statement of Takam, Whyte and Breazeale being better than folks on Wilder's resume - we are going to have to agree to disagree on this, as you cannot convince me and I cannot as well.

AJ does not batter people and cannot bully Wilder or else he runs into right hands which will be his downfall. I hope you are not the one advising him on this as this will be a recipe for a quick knockout for Wilder.

[GhostofDempsey]

On a P4P basis most HW aren't as skilled as the lower weight classes. Wilder has a great size advantage, a decent jab and a strong right hand. He is a one dimensional fighter in a HW division that is at one of its weakest eras in history.

Porter is a better all around fighter, but his style is awkward and somewhat dirty.