Deontay Wilder’s Power Ignored by Bermane Stiverne – The Punch That ‘Destroyed’ Stiverne in Round 1 of 2017 Truly Terrifying

Deontay Wilder, a man known for his thunderous right hand, has made a career out of delivering devastating knockouts in the boxing ring. Wilder’s unbeaten streak and his incredible punching power have been legendary, but there was one moment in particular that truly showcased just how terrifying his power can be. That moment came in 2017 when he faced Bermane Stiverne for the second time in a highly anticipated rematch.

The first bout between these two heavyweights, in 2015, saw Wilder claim the WBC Heavyweight Championship with a unanimous decision win. However, it was their 2017 showdown that captured the imagination of boxing fans worldwide. Wilder entered the ring as the reigning champion, looking to further cement his legacy as one of the hardest-hitting fighters of his era. Stiverne, who had failed to dethrone Wilder in their first fight, came into the rematch determined to prove that he could handle the power of the “Bronze Bomber.”

However, the result would be far different than anyone could have imagined.

The Rematch: Wilder’s Ruthless Power

The world knew Deontay Wilder was capable of knocking out opponents with a single punch, but what happened in the first round of the 2017 rematch was on another level. From the opening bell, Wilder was on the offensive, pressing forward and unleashing his trademark bombs.

But it wasn’t just the volume of punches that made this fight stand out — it was the sheer destructive force behind each of Wilder’s blows. As the first round progressed, it became clear that Stiverne was already in trouble. Wilder’s hands were fast, his timing impeccable, and his power simply too much for Stiverne to handle.

Then, in an instant, everything changed.

The Terrifying Right Hand

With just under two minutes remaining in the first round, Deontay Wilder threw a right hand that would go down in history as one of the most devastating punches in heavyweight boxing. Stiverne, known for his durability, simply couldn’t absorb the full force of Wilder’s punch. As the right hand landed square on Stiverne’s chin, the impact sent a ripple through the arena — and through Stiverne’s body.

The punch wasn’t just a knockout; it was a destruction. Stiverne’s legs buckled immediately, and he was sent crashing to the canvas, completely out of sorts. He struggled to get back up, his body failing him as the referee began the count. The damage was done.

Wilder had completely overwhelmed Stiverne in the first round. The punch itself had an almost surreal effect on Stiverne, rendering him unable to continue, and he was counted out at 2:59 of the round. Deontay Wilder had done what many believed was impossible — he had knocked out Bermane Stiverne in the first round, solidifying his place as one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing history.

The Aftermath: Stiverne’s Experience of Wilder’s Power

In the aftermath of the fight, Bermane Stiverne was left in a state of shock and awe. He had felt Wilder’s power before, but this time was different. Stiverne’s post-fight comments reflected the overwhelming nature of the knockout. In interviews, he admitted that he had underestimated the devastating force behind Wilder’s punches, especially the right hand that sent him into the ropes.

“I’ve never been hit like that before,” Stiverne said after the fight. “I’ve been in the ring with some big hitters, but what he did to me was on another level. That punch destroyed me.”

For Stiverne, this defeat would mark the end of his hopes to reclaim the heavyweight title. He had been defeated not by a technical boxing masterclass, but by raw, explosive power that had sent him to the canvas in under three minutes.

Wilder’s Unstoppable Power

What made Wilder’s performance so remarkable was not just his victory, but the incredible knockout that accompanied it. Many critics had questioned Wilder’s ability to defeat top-tier opponents with boxing skill, often dismissing his reliance on his right hand as too one-dimensional. But in this fight, Wilder proved that his power was not to be taken lightly. His ability to end a fight with a single punch made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the heavyweight division, and Stiverne’s destruction would be a stark reminder of that.

The knockout was also a statement to other fighters in the division. Despite his unorthodox style and perceived flaws, Wilder’s punching power could not be ignored. The 2017 win over Stiverne further established Deontay Wilder as a force of nature in the heavyweight landscape, and it propelled him into some of the most anticipated fights in the boxing world.

The Legacy of Wilder’s Right Hand

As time passed, Deontay Wilder’s victory over Bermane Stiverne in 2017 became more than just a highlight reel moment — it became part of Wilder’s larger legacy. The punch was proof of his unmatched ability to end a fight with a single strike. Wilder’s right hand would become a symbol of fear and admiration, something that fighters in the heavyweight division learned to respect.

Wilder would go on to face other heavyweights, including Tyson Fury in their infamous trilogy. While the rivalry with Fury would see Wilder suffer two losses, the rematch and trilogy bouts only further illustrated that Wilder’s punching power remained his greatest weapon. The knockout of Stiverne in 2017 would forever remain a reminder of just how terrifying the Bronze Bomber’s power could be.

The Impact on Wilder’s Career

While Deontay Wilder’s power has been his signature throughout his career, the victory over Bermane Stiverne in 2017 helped solidify his standing in the history books. That night, Wilder didn’t just knock out a former champion — he proved to the world that he could finish a fight at any moment, even against opponents who thought they could withstand his punches.

The loss to Tyson Fury in their 2020 and 2021 rematches may have exposed Wilder’s vulnerabilities, but his knockout of Stiverne will always be remembered as the moment that defined just how dangerous he could be. Wilder’s power continues to be his defining characteristic — a trait that, in an instant, can change the course of a fight and cement his legacy as one of the hardest hitters in the sport’s history.

Conclusion

The knockout of Bermane Stiverne in 2017 was more than just a victory for Deontay Wilder — it was a terrifying display of his raw power and his ability to completely dominate a fighter in a matter of seconds. The punch that “destroyed” Stiverne is a moment that will live on in boxing history as one of the most explosive knockouts in heavyweight boxing. For Wilder, it was a reminder to the world of his destructive potential, and for Stiverne, it was an unforgettable lesson in the ferocity of the Bronze Bomber’s right hand.