Wilder To Defend Title vs. Arreola in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 13, 2016) - Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) will defend his title in his home state when he battles two-time world title challenger Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onFOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and go on sale tomorrow. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Wilder returns to the ring after he was set to travel to Russia and defend his title against Alexander Povetkin on May 21 before the challenger failed a drug test that caused a cancellation of the fight. Now, Wilder will showcase his exceptional skills in primetime on network television as he takes on Arreola. It will be Wilder's fourth defense and third in his home state of Alabama.
"FOX and FOX Deportes are thrilled to be broadcasting the much anticipated heavyweight championship of the world between Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola as part of our partnership with Premier Boxing Champions," said David Nathanson, FOX Sports Head of Business Operations. "It's been just over 20 years since FOX presented its last heavyweight headliner, Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis. We're sure this title fight will deliver another amazing PBC show on our networks."
The heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa is itching to get back in the ring after defending his title with stoppages of Eric Molina, Johann Duahaupas and most recently a one-punch knockout of Artur Szpilka in January. Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. He is the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics. The 30-year-old won the belt with a dominant decision over Bermane Stiverne in January 2015. The six-month layoff will be the longest of Wilder's career. This fight will mark the eighth time Wilder fights in his home state of Alabama as a professional.
