Deontay Wilder vs Chris Arreola official for July 16 in Alabama

As was previously speculated and rumored and reported and all that, Premier Boxing Champions made it official today that Deontay Wilder will defend the WBC heavyweight title against Chris Arreola on July 16 in Birmingham, Alabama, in a PBC on FOX main event.

The fight is not exactly what people were hoping for this year, but that's not the fault of Wilder (36-0, 35 KO), who was set to fight mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin in Moscow in May before Povetkin failed a pre-fight drug test, leading to the cancellation of the bout.

So in steps Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KO), a rugged veteran fighter and former title challenger, whose best days are behind him.

"I respect Chris Arreola for getting into the ring with me, but we all know who the real champion is, and I'm going to prove it," Wilder said. "I've been training long and hard for a fight, and now I'm going to take it out on Arreola on July 16."

Arreola, 35, is still hoping to realize his dream of becoming the first Mexican world heavyweight champion.

"I'm thankful to Deontay for this opportunity," Arreola said. "He has proven a great deal by winning the heavyweight title and defending it three times. I'm very excited to step into the ring with him, put on a great show, be victorious and make history by becoming the first Mexican heavyweight world champion."

The one thing you can say in favor of this fight is that it will not lack for action. Both guys are big punchers who rely on their power to get things done. and Arreola has never in his career shied away from a fight.

Are you at least looking forward to the fight for its action potential, or do you just see this as killing time and nothing more?