Is Deontay Wilder meandering away from a clash with Wladimir Klitschko? Wilder will for a second time defend his WBC heavyweight title in Birmingham, Alabama. After halting Eric Molina in June, he will next box Johann Duhaupas at the Legacy Arena on September 26. NBC will broadcast in the US.
This year Frenchman Duhaupas has lost over 12 rounds to now European champion Erkan Teper but picked up a majority decision victory over Manuel Charr in Russia. With a 32-2 (20) record the 34-year-old has won the European Union heavyweight title but achieved no higher honours. He is not considered a top contender.
Russia’s Alexander Povetkin, a far more dangerous opponent, remains Wilder’s leading contender but a unification clash with Wladimir Klitschko, to produce an undisputed heavyweight champion, would be the most appealing fight in the division.
