By Vadim Pushkin
Fedor Lapin, the former coach of Arthur Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), says WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs) could experience some issues tomorrow night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Lapin trained Szpilka and built up his undefeated record. He was eventually replaced with veteran Ronnie Shields around the time that Szpilka signed with powerful adviser Al Haymon.
The ex-coach of the Polish contender says his former student has a style that could cause an upset with the right circumstances.
Szpilka has one loss, a 2014 knockout defeat to Bryant Jennings. Lapin says Szpilka did not properly pace himself and had nothing left in the tank by the end of the fight.
The Polish puncher has warned Wilder with the same statement - "you have never faced anyone like me." Lapin agrees with the statement.
"I remember the fight with Jennings, and back then Szpilka burned himself out [during the fight]. If he is mentally strong [coming into this bout], Wilder will have a tough fight against an uncomfortable opponent. Artur is agile, throws with both hands, his punches are fast. Wilder has not boxed against someone like that. What is very important is that Szpilka is doesn't get intimidated. And if he keeps a cool head, Wilder can have some very, very big problems," Lapin said.
