Friday 26 January 2018 06:22, UK
Deontay Wilder can increase public demand for a heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua if he produces a career-best win over Luis Ortiz on March 3, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson.
Outside the other heavyweight world champions, this is the best fight that Deontay Wilder could take, without a doubt.
I was gutted when the fight fell through originally, and now it's back on again I'm really looking forward to it. Deontay has not had a career-defining fight yet. You look at Bermane Stiverne and that's the biggest name he's got on his record.
If Wilder knocks out 'King Kong', everybody will be talking about this loud, unbeaten American who is wild by name, wild by nature.
Unfortunately, Luis Ortiz failed a drug test, but Wilder still said 'I want this fight'. I love that attitude about him. Ortiz will be checked stringently now he's back in that position, and if he's as good as people say, then the Cuban could come out on top.
Anthony Joshua will be watching. AJ understands that he's got to study what Wilder is good at. Watch him while he's a bully, but also watch him when he's under pressure. He's got to tune in to see some weaknesses in Wilder, because their paths could cross soon.
If the AJ-Wilder fight is going to happen, it will go ahead no matter what. This is business and I know the fighters want to face each other. But on Wilder's behalf, I think it will make them want the AJ fight even more if he knocks out Ortiz. Wilder's team will know he has got what it takes to get through anybody and Deontay will say 'I don't care, give me this fight next!'
If Wilder knocks out 'King Kong', everybody will be talking about this loud, unbeaten American who is wild by name, wild by nature. He has taken out the guy who everyone has avoided like the plague and that will sell him even more here in the UK and around the world.
Deontay Wilder defends his WBC title against Luis Ortiz on March 3, live on Sky Sports.
Watch the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker world heavyweight title unification fight, from Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on March 31, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.
