Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder connects on former WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne during their title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Jan. 17, 2015 in Las Vegas. Getty

Deontay Wilder might be the next big thing in boxing, and a national audience will get a chance to see him defend his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday night as part of Premier Boxing Champions. Wilder goes up against Johann Duhaupas in his home state of Alabama in a fight that he’s expected to win with ease.

Wilder hasn’t lost since he became a professional boxer in 2008, going 34-0. All but one of his victories have come by knockout, though he claims he’s not overlooking his opponent.

“I’ve got friends all over, especially in Europe, and they all have texted and called me and said, ‘Don’t take him lightly. He’s a tough, tough guy,’” Wilder said. “I’m like, ‘We already know.’ I don’t take any fighter lightly."

Betting Odds

It’d be a major upset if Wilder was to lose, considering he’s a -3500 favorite at Bovada.lv. Duhaupas has +1200 odds to win, and he’s not expected to go the distance. The odds that the fight goes more than six full rounds have been set at -125. Wilder has -600 odds to win by knockout, but just +325 odds to win by decision. Duhaupas is given better odds to win via knockout (+1600) than decision (+3300).

Start Time

Premier Boxing Champions airs on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET. Dominic Breazeale puts his undefeated record on the line against Frederic Kassi in a heavyweight fight to start the night’s action, followed by Wilder vs. Duhaupas. A free live stream is available with NBC Sports Live Extra.

RELATED STORIES