I think the frustration here from Wilder and his fans is that he shouldn't be in this position where he is the B side. He certainly doesn't like it. But he's been promoted poorly and matched poorly, and had poor PR. And must be some sort of poster boy for mainstream America's disinterest in the sport.
Wilder is engaging, exciting, braggadocious. He also has the human interest story regarding how he fights for his child. He also handles himself well when he is not excited. When he was with Sky Sports he was thoughtful and respectful.
Unfortunately, Wilder isn't entitled to call the shots. AJ could get knocked out next week and STILL call the shots. I think that sort of eats away and some American fights fans sense of entitlement.
Take away all the narrative about the two fighting for one second and consider:
How is an American heavyweight titlist with a 98% KO rate fighting green pros in a modest venue, in his hometown in his 38th fight?
If Wilder was born in England. That lad would literally be shitting money at this point...just like AJ.
Wilder is engaging, exciting, braggadocious. He also has the human interest story regarding how he fights for his child. He also handles himself well when he is not excited. When he was with Sky Sports he was thoughtful and respectful.
Unfortunately, Wilder isn't entitled to call the shots. AJ could get knocked out next week and STILL call the shots. I think that sort of eats away and some American fights fans sense of entitlement.
Take away all the narrative about the two fighting for one second and consider:
How is an American heavyweight titlist with a 98% KO rate fighting green pros in a modest venue, in his hometown in his 38th fight?
If Wilder was born in England. That lad would literally be shitting money at this point...just like AJ.
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