Danny Garcia one step closer to Mayweather bout with controversial win. Wilder steamrolls Scott

Former Olympic bronze medalist, Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder, has left a trail of destruction since his professional debut. Living up to his moniker, 31 men have crumbled to the canvas in as many bouts at the hands of Wilder. Upon closer observation, Wilder’s resume runs thin on quality opposition.

Deontay had three outings in 2013, in April, Wilder stopped former European champion Audley Harrison in 70 seconds. Harrison offered nothing in resistance. In August Wilder separated former WBO heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich from his senses in a swift and brutal knockout. Wilder rounded off the year in October with a fourth round TKO of Nicolai Firtha.

Wilder began the contest on the front foot, probing with the jab. Scott set on his bike, looking to utilize a lot of movement away from an expected early onslaught. Walking Scott down, Wilder landed a left hook on Scott’s temple area and a follow up right hand to put Scott on the canvas. Scott was unable to make it back to his feet during the referee’s count and the contest was waved off at 90 seconds of round one. During the slow motion replay, it was clear the right hand barely landed, the left had done the damage.

Any fighter who can stop 31 opponents inside of four rounds certainly has special power. However, the judge is still out on the 6’7 American heavyweight. His chin has yet to be truly tested against bonafide high level opposition. How Wilder would deal with a resilient heavyweight such as a Tyson Fury–who expressed an interest in a Wilder bout–is yet to be seen.

There are many options available for ‘The Bronze Bomber’ on the table. A possible clash with the winner of Arreola and Stiverne contest may be a frontrunner. Another credible choice would be the much discussed bout against Fury or Chisora. Wilder has reached a period of his career where he must now travel into the unknown. Few boxes have been ticked in a definitive manner.

On his part, Wilder has dispatched of his opponents with ease. One fact is certain, when Deontay Wilder comes to bomb out his opponents; they will need heavy amour and artillery to see off ‘The Brown Bomber.’

Reigning WBC, WBA and Ring magazine light welterweight champion Danny Garcia landed in Puerto Rico riding a 27 fight unbeaten record. In dealing with hard hitting Argentinean Lucas Matthysse with ease, Danny displayed a technically apt skill set in arguably Garcia’s finest performance.

In what was expected to be a routine defense, Garcia was matched up against Mauricio Herrera. Eager to please the Puerto Rican fans, Garcia was expected to put on a fireworks display against Herrera. Herrera’s most notable victory was a 2011 win over 140 lb titlist Ruslan Provodnikov. Regardless of this fact, the fight was viewed as a showcase of Garcia’s skill set to the Puerto Rican audience.

Garcia opened a relatively quiet round with some probing shots. Herrera working the jab primarily to the body, whilst Garcia landed a couple clean right hands. Through the second and third, Herrera began to double up on the jab, following behind it inside Garcia’s range. Working Garcia over in the clinch, Herrera stopped the fight of any rhythm.

In the fourth Garcia began to find a home for his jab, following up with a clean right hand. Danny committed to some body work, landing numerous shots on Herrera’s belt line. Through the fifth and sixth rounds Garcia remained on Herrera’s belt line with the left hand. Herrera on his part was winning the battle of the jabs. Styles make fights. It was now clear that style would not be on Garcia’s side tonight.

Rounds seven and eight, Garcia enjoyed spurts of success, landing a number of clean shots upstairs on Herrera. Herrera walking down Garcia, replied in kind. In the ninth round Herrera countered a Garcia jab with an eye catching right hand that had Garcia backing up. Both men exchanged to close out the round.

Rounds ten through eleven Garcia continued his commitment to the body. A five punch combination from Garcia drew roars from the crowd. Herrera undeterred, invited Garcia in as he stood with his back to the ropes. Garcia complied, launching in a couple of body shots, which in turn were received and responded to upstairs from Herrera. Herrera was mixing shots to the body and head nicely during exchanges. The final round produced back and forth action with both men landing eye catching shots. Herrera finished out stronger, out slugging Garcia.

Anxious moments passed by for the Garcia camp as they awaited the judge’s decision. They had got more than they bargained for in Herrera, whose style was never compatible with Garcia’s. In a difficult fight, Danny had landed the heavier blows, whilst Herrera had landed more frequently. The judges handed in their scorecards with a majority decision, 114-114, 116-112, 116-112 in favor of Danny Garcia.

Having swerved a near disaster with Herrera, the call for a rematch from numerous fans will likely be unanswered. Having cleared much of the division, there are tantalizing options remaining. A unification bout with the hard hitting Ruslan Provodnikov is a mouth watering prospect.

With Adrien Broner’s future still up in the air regarding weight division, Garcia expressed an interest in the stacked welterweight division. With a credible victory at 147 lbs, Garcia would place his name in the next ‘Mayweather Sweepstakes’ this coming September.