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Deontay Wilder's title defence against Gerald Washington brings a new set of problems for WBC king

By Richard Damerell

Last Updated: 02/02/17 3:00pm

Deontay Wilder must overcome injuries and a change of opponent
Deontay Wilder must overcome injuries and a change of opponent

As Deontay Wilder prepares for his heavyweight battle with Gerald Washington, live on Sky Sports, we analyse a potentially dangerous WBC title defence.

WBC heavyweight champion Wilder will be expected to produce another knockout victory against Washington in his home state of Alabama, but preparations have been far from ideal and he faces an unbeaten fighter with ambitions of his own.

Wilder-Washington live on Sky

Deontay Wilder's WBC heavyweight title defence against Gerald Washington is live on Sky Sports

Here are five talking points ahead of Wilder-Washington...

Difficult time for Deontay?

The Alabama man was initially due to defend his title against a different opponent
The Alabama man was initially due to defend his title against a different opponent

The 31-year-old will be making his return from a six-month absence after suffering a broken hand and a torn bicep in his stoppage win over Chris Arreola last July.

His training plans have already been disrupted as original opponent Andrzej Wawrzyk tested positive for a banned substance, and Washington stepped up as a replacement challenger this week.

Washington offers a fresh set of challenges with his sheer size and Wilder's physical and mental scars could be severely tested in his first fight back from serious injuries.

Why pick Washington?

Gerald Washington demonstrated power in his knockout win over Ray Austin
Gerald Washington demonstrated power in his knockout win over Ray Austin

Washington has a more impressive record than Wawrzyk, with wins over titles contenders Eddie Chambers and Ray Austin, the latter coming in devastating fashion at the same venue of his upcoming fight with Wilder.

At this late stage in his career, Austin was a faded force, but Wilder's promoter Lou DiBella admits Washington has done little wrong in his career.

The 34-year-old has racked up 12 knockouts in 18 wins
The 34-year-old has racked up 12 knockouts in 18 wins

Asked about the Austin knockout, DiBella said: "That didn't hurt. That fight also occurred in Alabama, where we happen to be for this next fight.

"Washington has been on US TV multiple times. He's another American heavyweight and a good athlete."

Battle for hearts and minds?

'The Bronze Bomber' remains undefeated after a number of testing battles
'The Bronze Bomber' remains undefeated after a number of testing battles

Wilder's determination and mental toughness cannot be questioned as he has shrugged off serious injuries and harsh criticism throughout his professional career.

But in Washington, he could be facing someone with similar inner resolve, as the former U.S Navy veteran has also been written off as a contender and relishes the challenge of silencing his critics.

They love him out there, that's their hometown boy, and I'm going to go in and take care of business.

Gerald Washington

The Californian was also a talented former American football player and is not fazed about taking a title fight in front of Wilder's fans.

"I know I'm fighting in his home state," he said. "They love him out there, that's their hometown boy, and I'm going to go in and take care of business."

A wild shootout?

Wilder had the final word in the ninth round of an entertaining battle with Artur Szpilka
Wilder had the final word in the ninth round of an entertaining battle with Artur Szpilka

'The Bronze Bomber' always brings excitement with his knockout power, but can allow himself to be drawn into a dangerous firefight.

Wilder fully admits he is still a work in progress and gives the occasional glimpse of defensive frailties, which could be exposed by a patient opponent in Washington.

Washington: I'll shock Wilder

Gerald Washington predicts stunning knockout win over WBC champion Deontay Wilder

The 34-year-old likes to probe for openings with his long arms and suggests he will gradually pick apart the champion.

"I just want to step to him, hurt him, and eventually wear him down and take him out," said Washington. "I don't want to leave it in the hands of the judges."

Joshua looming large?

Anthony Joshua says a future fight with Wilder is inevitable if he defeats Wladimir Klitschko
Anthony Joshua says a future fight with Wilder is inevitable if he defeats Wladimir Klitschko

There is plenty at stake for Wilder, who continues to be mentioned as a future opponent for IBF champion Anthony Joshua.

The unbeaten Londoner, with equally destructive fists, boosted his profile at a press conference in America this week and US fight fans are eagerly awaiting his debut in the States.

Also See:

  • Wilder-Washington live on Sky
  • Moore: AJ will crack America
  • Toe 2 Toe podcast
  • Getting to know: Joe Cordina

AJ-Wilder 'total unification'

Anthony Joshua-Deontay Wilder would be 'massive' with all world titles at stake, says Lou DiBella

Promoter DiBella does not want his fighter to overlook Washington, but believes a unification clash with Joshua would be "massive" if they wait until all the world titles are at stake.

He said: "If down the line, you're looking at Joshua and Deontay, two good looking, well spoken, massive heavyweights with tremendous credentials were to meet for a total unification of the heavyweight division - that's a massive fight."

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