Deontay Wilder to defend heavyweight title against Artur Szpilka in Brooklyn

 

Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder/Photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

 

For the first time since 1900, a heavyweight title fight will take place in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his belt when he tangles with Artur Szpilka on Jan. 16 at Barclays Center (on Showtime).

According to a news release, the last time a heavyweight fight was contested in the borough of Brooklyn was when James Jeffries knocked out James Corbett in the 23rd round on May 11, 1900 on Coney Island.

“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” said Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. ” I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him. I wish him luck. He’s going to need it.”

Wilder, who is 6-foot-7, is 35-0 with 34 knockouts.

Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs) – a 6-3 southpaw – is from Poland.

“It feels amazing,” Szpilka said, “to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title.”

Szpilka is the No. 8-ranked contender to Wilder’s title.

 

 

Twitter Facebook Pinterest Reddit Tumblr Email Snailmail