Deontay Wilder hitting harder than ever, says sparring partner Eric Molina

Deontay Wilder has been preparing for his next world title defence and Eric Molina has felt the full force of his punches during sparring sessions.

'The Bronze Bomber' is one of the most dangerous punchers on the planet and will seek out a 36th stoppage win when he defends his WBC heavyweight title against Chris Arreola on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Eric Molina was halted by Wilder in the ninth round when they fought last June, but 'The Drummer Boy' was happy to help the champion prepare for Arreola and offered insight into their bruising sparring sessions in his Alabama gym.

What were your first impressions of Wilder's gym?

It was very tough to train down there, different from down here in Texas. I used to training with an air conditioner and cooler, but in Wilder's gym, he does train very hard.

He's got a great team behind him and he loves the sport. You can definitely feel the energy from being around him.

How many rounds did you spar with Wilder?

It just depends. Anything from two to four rounds. Just depends on what type of day he was having.

On my part, I'm not one of those that likes to get too spicy as far as sparring goes. But I can say there were a couple of days where they were harder for him than others. That's not just for him, that's anybody in general. Every day is different.

What are his strengths?

It was one full year to the day that I got back in the ring with him. I feel in that year he's calmer in the ring, more patient. His jab is sharper, his reflexes defensively have got better, his balance is better, and his power has got a bit stronger.

But all around, I feel that he's improved. 

How hard does he hit?

All heavyweights hit hard, don't get me wrong, but Wilder has the power naturally to knock anyone out at any given second with one punch.

Like I tell everybody, I've felt a lot of heavyweight punches before and he's got that punch that can hit you anywhere on your head and you will feel it throughout your body.

Wilder has got that natural power, that's what I like about Wilder. When he throws his right hand it can land anywhere on your head, but I feel that when they land on your skull, they throw you off and make you more woozy. 

All heavyweights hit hard, don't get me wrong, but Wilder has the power naturally to knock anyone out at any given second with one punch. 

Live Fight Night International

How fast is Wilder's jab?

The jab is very sharp, it's sharper than usual, than what I noticed a year ago. 

Does Wilder have a good chin?

Everybody questions Wilder's chin and actually it's pretty good. When has he ever been down?

Even if you go down, it doesn't mean that you're done with the fight. Hell, I went down four times against him and I got up all those times.

I hit him with some good shots and he took them well. His chin seems just fine and I've never seen anything that I should say otherwise.       

Will Arreola handle his punches?

Absolutely not. Chris Arreola's last notable win was me, but this was when the bottom 50 of the division would have knocked me out. 

I had no confidence, I had no training, no heavyweight sparring. I would destroy Arreola right now.

Wilder wins within six. His reflexes are too fast, his punches are too sharp, he's too smart now and he's not going to give Arreola that puncher's chance.