'His legs are weak' - Russian brute who knocked out Deontay Wilder as an amateur looks back on famou ·

07 Jun 2024, 00:00

Evgeny Romanov famously knocked out Deontay Wilder in the amateurs back in 2008 - a contest the two men still remember to this day.

Prior to Wilder's stoppage loss to Tyson Fury last year, the Russian brute was the last man to knock him out.

The bout took place on February 29, 2008, when Wilder travelled to Novosibirsk for a Russia vs USA competition.

Romanov, three months older than Wilder, was one of the Soviets’ top young heavyweights at the time, winning silver at the 2008 Russian Championships before picking up gold in 2009.

Although the pair are both now heavyweights, they were cruiserweights when they fought and competed at the 91kg (200lbs) limit.

The skinnier 6ft 7ins Wilder towered over his 6ft opponent, but the shorter, stockier man came out on top, forcing the referee to stop the contest in round three.

From the opening bell, Wilder began the bout in control and led 4-2 on the amateur point-scoring system after round one.

In the second, Romanov had an effective answer for everything the American threw as he responded to almost every attack with swift, instant counter-punches.

At the end of the round, Wilder was forced to take a standing count after a strong right hand from the Russian cemented the turnaround and put him 10-7 up on points.

Then came the third and final round, in which Romanov followed up on his attacks and staggered Wilder with another straight right, forcing a second standing count.

This time the away fighter did not have enough time to fully recover and was subsequently smashed to the canvas by two further clean punches.

The referee decided he’d seen enough and ended the bout with less than a minute remaining.

Romanov reflected to RT 13 years later: "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.

"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."

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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."

When asked if he was envious Fury had taken his record as the last man to stop Wilder, the Russian concluded: "Honestly, I'm never envious.

'His legs are weak' - Russian brute who knocked out Deontay Wilder as an amateur looks back on famou

Evgeny Romanov famously knocked out Deontay Wilder in the amateurs back in 2008 - a contest the two men still remember to this day. Prior to Wilder's stoppage loss to Tyson Fury last year, the Russian brute was the last man to knock him out.

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