Kings County will be buzzing next week as the Barclays Center readies to host Brooklyn’s first heavyweight boxing championship in Brooklyn in 115 years – Showtime Championship Boxing’s main event between WBC World Champ Deontay Wilder and Artur Szpilka on January 16.
Looking at Wilder’s impeccable resume, his unblemished record speaks for itself. At 35-0 (With 34 KO’s), the Bronze Bomber has handled every challenge that has come his way, and then some. The 6’7 goliath brings an unmatched desire by delivering a medley of punishing blows. Undefeated and undisputed, the brawler from Alabama instills fear in every opponent that comes in his path.
It was in Las vegas, almost a year ago, when Wilder won in a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne to capture the WBC world heavyweight title. By getting the win, Wilder become the first American heavyweight champion in roughly ten years. Thus far, Wilder has been able to hold on to the crown, with two successful fights beating Eric Molina and then Johann Duhaupass last September. This will be Wilder’s third defense of his WBC title.
When he steps into the arena, Wilder will be looking at his eager opponent, southpaw, Artur Szpilka. While Wilder might have the power and size, there is no doubt that it is Szpilka who has the speed. Watching fight footage of the Polish pin, it is evident that his lethal array of punches trap his opponents into defeat. There is no question that he is one of the fastest heavyweights around and he will make sure to use that to his advantage when he goes up against the champion.
After losing to Bryant Jennings back in 2014, Szpilka has been like a caged animal that was let loose to seek redemption. Until now he has been able to keep that loss in the rearview mirror where it belongs. Going up against Wilder, Szpilka is looking to obtain the belt and earn his fifth win in a row.
The odds for this fight are in Wilder’s favor, but don’t tell that to the supporters of Szpilka, who are sure to be showing up in herds at the Barclays Center next Saturday night. Remember, Brooklyn and many of the surrounding areas have a heavy Polish population and they will be sure to help give Szpilka an advantage to make it feel like he is fighting at home.
This battle is sure to bring a lot of electricity to the city that never sleeps. Money and tourism are sure to go a long for the biggest borough in New York City. The Barclays Center has previously hosted a number of big fights and every one has been a great success. When the fists are flying next weekend, this contest is sure to be no different as these two heavyweights make their way into the Barclays Center to slug it out, Brooklyn style.
