Busy times are ahead for Mark Breland, the trainer for Deontay Wilder since 2008. Breland is down from New York to train Wilder before his first title defense on June 13th. For the first time ever, a heavyweight title fight will be held in Alabama. Well, Birmingham to be more precise.
“It certainly gives a homefield advantage. He still has to go out there and do what he has to do. In boxing, anything can happen”, Breland would go on to say.
For boxing fans new to Deontay Wilder’s game, or even new to boxing overall, he lives up to the nickname of “The Bronze Bomber”. Including a bronze medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics games, Wilder has accumulated an impressive 33-0 record with 32 knockouts.
“I would describe Deontay as a boxer/puncher. A guy who can both box and hit with both hands, an explosive puncher. Look at Wladimir and how he throws punches, then some other guys just want to fight. His strengths are his jab, his right-hand and his movement. His movement was originally awkward and he can still look awkward but when I ask him , he says he’s comfortable. I move him around and around and using myself as a fighter to figure him out and if I can’t figure him out, I’m not sure what fighter can.”
The hometown man’s last match against Bermane Stiverene was the only match Wilder did not record a knockout. That’s not really a knock against Wilder. Boxing pundits wondered before if Wilder could go a full 12 rounds against a difficult opponent. Not only did Wilder go a full 12 but he looked like he had enough energy to go even more, something Breland has tried to work on with Wilder.
Jan 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; World heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder made an appearance at the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
“He’s more relaxed now than he used to be. More settled in, when you hit a guy and hurt him, you can take a few seconds after to regain composure. Wilder would just want to attack-attack-attack.”
The next opponent for Wilder is Mexican-American Eric Molina.
“I see him as a good opponent. He’s the tallest to fight against Wilder in a while. He’s a good opponent now and allows him to stay busy.”
Tall indeed, it will be an interesting match-up for Wilder considering his opponent stands at 6-foot-4. The staying busy remark could be about Molina’s 23-2 record (17 knockouts) and his last loss coming the night of Wilder claiming his belt. The focus for Wilder will be to complete this fight before looking too far ahead to some of the other big dogs. Yes, I’m talking Klitschko.
Breland isn’t too shabby himself. He’s a 5-time Golden Gloves Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and a 2-time world champion. Oh and fun fact, he appeared in two episodes of Miami Vice. He’s the real deal.
Tickets are still available for the title fight and you can visit alabamatitlefight.com for more details. Make sure to support the local champion, who is truly giving “Title Town” a whole new perspective. If you can’t make it, the fight will be shown on Showtime.