Experienced Knockout by Deontay Wilder: He Carries a Brutal Punch
Rebel Stiverne Never Flinched Against Deontay Wilder's Hype
When Bermane Stiverne squared off with Deontay Wilder for the first time in 2015, the Haitian-Canadian boxer was unfazed by Wilder's reputation as a fearsome knockout artist. Up until then, 'The Bronze Bomber' had scored wins via knockout in all of his 32 professional fights.
However, Stiverne outlasted Wilder for a full 12 rounds, losing the bout by unanimous decision but earning the respect of many. It was a testament to Stiverne's toughness and durability, key qualities that help a fighter succeed in the heavyweight division.
Stiverne's words about Wilder's punching power were prophetic when they met again in 2017, as Stiverne was knocked out in the opening round of their rematch. The brutal knockout cemented Wilder's status as a heavyweight force to be reckoned with, while Stiverne's career trajectory never fully recovered.
A Brief Glance at Stiverne's Highlights
Bermane Stiverne rose to prominence when he captured the vacant WBC heavyweight title with a sixth-round knockout win over Chris Arreola in 2014. He became the first heavyweight champion of Haitian descent in boxing history.
However, Stiverne's reign as a champion was brief. He lost the title to Wilder in their first encounter and was unable to regain it following his rematch with the American star. Stiverne's resume is marked by a few memorable wins, but recurring losses to top-tier opponents have prevented him from returning to the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.
A Recap of Stiverne's Career Milestones
| Year | Opponent | Outcome | Key Achievement ||-----------|------------------------|----------|-------------------------------|| 2014 | Chris Arreola | TKO (Win) | Won WBC Heavyweight Title || 2015 | Deontay Wilder | UD (Loss) | Lost WBC Heavyweight Title || 2017 | Chris Arreola (Rematch)| UD (Win) | Defended WBC Silver Title || 2017 | Deontay Wilder (Rematch)| KO (Loss) | Lost second fight against Wilder |
In recent years, Stiverne has struggled to regain his former glory. As of 2025, he has not been a major player in the heavyweight division and is no longer considered a top contender.
Despite his setbacks, Stiverne remains an important figure in boxing history, holding the distinction of being the first Haitian-born heavyweight champ. While Wilder eclipsed him, Stiverne's career represents a significant, albeit short-lived, chapter in the stories of both boxers.
Boxing and sports have been an integral part of Bermane Stiverne's life, with his career in the heavyweight division characterized by moments of triumph and, at times, setbacks. Despite losing the WBC heavyweight title to Deontay Wilder, Stiverne had a memorable win over Chris Arreola, establishing himself as the first heavyweight champion of Haitian descent in boxing history.
