By Edward Chaykovsky
Feared puncher Deontay Wilder (31-0, 31KOs) is not looking past overmatched journeyman Jason Gavern (25-16-4, 11KOs) this coming Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Wilder took the fight to stay busy while waiting for a finalized date with WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne of Canada. Gavern accepted the opportunity with a few days notice. Wilder realizes there is no room for error with a guaranteed title shot on the table.
"We're not looking past August 16, but we know to prepare for Stiverne. That's how confident I am in my ability and skills. I'm not worried about people picking the 'right guy' for me. I would be the laughing stock of the world if I had the title fight lined up and lost this fight on August 16. So I just have to get the job done," Wilder said.
Wilder says his mental strength is what's keeping him focused. He plans to use that strength, and some different things that he's been working on in camp, against Gavern and eventually against Stiverne.
"Discipline is a mental thing, and I'm mentally strong. All of the hard work is in the gym and with the sparring. When it's time to actually fight that's the easy part, and it's more fun actually. But it's not hard for me to stay disciplined at all. I've changed lots of things regarding my style. I'm more patient now. I'm definitely a thinker now and that maturity helps me. People will find out that I'm a different kind of guy. They'll see when I become the heavyweight champ just how disciplined I am," Wilder said.
