Stiverne vs Wilder fight may finally be on for January 17

According to a report at ESPN.com, a fight between WBC heavyweight titleholder Bermane Stiverne and unbeaten American KO artist Deontay Wilder may finally be set, as the two look likely to meet on January 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Showtime would televise.

Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KO) won the vacant WBC title against Chris Arreola on May 10, stopping the rugged veteran in six rounds. That came after he had beaten Arreola from pillar to post in April 2013, a 12-round decision win, with the title up for grabs due to the retirement of Vitali Klitschko.

Wilder (32-0, 32 KO) has mowed down marginal opposition thus far as a pro, and now the 29-year-old Tusacaloosa, Alabama, native is ready for what would be a big step up. He won the WBC mandatory shot on March 15 of this year when he knocked out Malik Scott in the first round. He returned on August 16 in a stay-busy fighting, stopping Jason Gavern after four rounds.