Deontay Wilder’s ‘legs are weak’ and he ‘isn’t firm on his feet’ says Russian boxer who KO’d him 13 years ago

DEONTAY WILDER’S ‘legs are weak’ and he ‘isn’t firm on his feet’, according to the Russian boxer who KO’d him 13 years ago.

Evgeny Romanov was famously the last person to knock out the Bronze Bomber prior to his stoppage defeat to Tyson Fury last year.

The pair locked horns in the amateur ranks back in 2008, when Wilder was walloped pillar to post on the way to his first-ever KO loss.

Romanov, having trailed the first round 4-2, found an answer for everything in the second and soon began to dominate.

A strong right had Wilder reeling and he was forced to take a standing count while the 36-year-old went 10-7 up on points.

Another huge right in the third and final round sent the American to the canvas and the ref ended the bout with just under a minute remaining.

Romanov has now reflected on the clash 13 years later and he admitted Wilder has since risen to the top and is a very different fighter.

Yet the Russian claimed the deposed WBC champion still has weak spots that Fury could target again in the third meeting between the pair.

Romanov told RT: “It was a long time ago. I honestly don’t think much of it. Wilder was different then than he is now. I was different too.

I know that Wilder isn’t firm on his feet, you can see that when you watch him on TV

Evgeny Romanov

“Today’s a different time, Wilder’s at the top and I’m on my way there.

“Back then it was maybe the other way round, so I don’t want to remember or think of it.”

Regarding Wilder’s ‘weak spots’, Romanov added: “I’m not sure about weak spots but I know his legs are weak.

“As far as where to hit, I don’t know. You have to watch for that when you walk in the ring with him.

“I know that Wilder isn’t firm on his feet, you can see that when you watch him on TV.”

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When asked if he was annoyed that Fury had taken his record as the last man to stop Wilder, he said: “Honestly, I’m never envious.

“Anything can happen, anyone can fall, so I never envy anyone.

“I’m a boxer myself and know exactly what it is.”

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk