Cruiserweight prospect Marsellos Wilder’s promising start to his career was sensationally derailed by William Deets (7-12, 3 KOs), after the Tuscaloosa native was stopped in the final round of a four-rounder.
Fighting on the undercard of Keith Thurman’s highly-anticipated comeback fight against Josesito Lopez at Barclay’s Brooklyn Center, Marsellos – the younger brother of undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder – appeared to be on course to registering a fourth successive career victory before dramatically slumping to the canvas in the dying seconds of the fourth round, courtesy of a Deets straight right hand shot.
Wilder was consistently landing hurtful punches and seemed to be largely in control of proceedings, but reckless efforts to force the stoppage ultimately proved to be his downfall as he was made to pay dearly for some sloppy offensive work, when he was caught flush with a heavy counter.
Although he answered the count Wilder appeared to be shaky and deeply disorientated, prompting the referee to wave it off.
The 29 year old was originally scheduled to make his overseas debut in London next month on the undercard of James Degale’s showdown with Chris Eubank Jr, but the prospect of the Alabaman making such a quick turnaround from such a devastating setback is now in jeopardy, and it is likely a period of soul-searching will follow.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________