Deontay Wilder retained his WBC World Heavyweight Title on Saturday night, with a fifth round stoppage of Gerald Washington in Birmingham, Alabama.
'The Bronze Bomber' enhanced his reputation as a knockout specialist in the fight. The win was the 37th stoppage in his career, with his record now lying at 38-0.
Along with Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, Wilder is regarded as one true World Heavyweight Champions, from boxing's big-four organisations.
0 to 100 real quick!! @BronzeBomber improves to 38-0 (37 KO) by stopping Gerald Washington in Round 5. #WilderWashington #PBConFOX pic.twitter.com/JMN08WWOpd
— PBC (@premierboxing) February 26, 2017
Washington, who was only called up with a month's notice, due to Wilder's original opponent failing a drug's test, never troubled the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist.
Wilder's return to the ring, was the first since undergoing surgery on his right hand after breaking it last year against Chris Arreola. He used his famed right hand sparingly until the fifth round. where his class prevailed.
After the win, Wilder was joined by the WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker, with the two men looking set to unity their belts later this year.
Let's unify @joeboxerparker v @BronzeBomber 👊🼠pic.twitter.com/VrSMH5fO9L
— Taylor Barry (@TBARRY_) February 26, 2017
IBF Champion Anthony Joshua fights Wladimir Klitschko in April with the WBA (Super) title also on the line. After a lean period for heavyweight boxing, a unified champion may not be too far away.
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