Deontay Wilder/Photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions

Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder will make the second defense of his belt when he takes on Frenchman Johann Duhaupas on Sept. 26 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala. (on NBC).

Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is 34-0 with 33 knockouts. He also made his first defense in his home state when he knocked out Eric Molina in the ninth round in June at Bartow Arena in Birmingham.

Duhaupas has never fought in the United States. But Wilder says Duhaupas will be a tough nut to crack.

“I know my opponent has great size and that’s what we’re looking for in opponents,” Wilder said. “He has a great record and he’s never been knocked out … until he faces me. I know Duhaupas is tough and he comes to fight and that’s exactly what we need.”

Wilder is 6-foot-7. Duhaupas, who is 6-5, is 32-2 with 20 knockouts. He is the No. 12-ranked contender to Wilder’s belt.

“Deontay is a good boxer, but I have the heart of a lion and the mental fortitude to handle anything in the ring,” Duhaupas said.