Last night was a big risk; an actual title fight in the state of Alabama. Who would have ever thought? A state consumed over one sport was seemingly, all of a sudden, hosting a heavyweight title fight. Well, it didn’t disappoint. A little over 9,000 fans packed Bartow Arena in Birmingham to see Deontay Wilder defend his WBC belt against Eric Molina.
Even though it’s not quite the capacity compared to a football game in Bryant-Denny Stadium, there was an electric feel throughout the arena. From the deafening cheers when Wilder was announced to the “Roll Tide Roll” chants during Sweet Home Alabama, it was clear Birmingham provided enough of a hometown feel.