Deontay Wilder Turns On The Green Light To Come Back
FightersTalkTV.com – It’s almost a year since the stoppage loss to Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder confirmed his return to boxing by fighting against Robert Helenius in a WBC heavyweight eliminator in Barclays Center, New York City, New York on October 15. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder made his decision after considering his options and spending time with his family.
“It was a hard decision coming back and what I should do,” Wilder speaking to Premier Boxing Champion. “It’s basically what I wanted, and now I’m here.
“I knew I had to go back after seeing the people’s emotions (at a statue unveiling in Tuscaloosa). I saw the children and showed them that someone who symbolizes them could aim for greatness.
Deontay Wilder statue Tuscaloosa
Deontay Wilder was looking at his life-size statue in his hometown in The City of Tuscaloosa in Alabama.
“They can be great too. Motivated and inspired to be great. I knew right then and there that I had to come back.
“I inspire so many people around the world. I’ve got a bit more to give. I want to show the kids what greatness is supposed to look like.”
He continued: “Especially when you see men breaking down. We’re often supposed to be the toughest. But when we do have that vulnerable side, you don’t care who is looking.
“That came out, and I saw it. Not only did I see it, I felt it. I knew immediately that I had to have a conversation with my children. Tell them that daddy is still hurt, but he has got to go back.
“I’m going to continue to do it for them one hundred percent. But more people out there need motivation, they need strength, and need inspiring. I have certain people looking at me for wisdom, so it wasn’t a hard decision (in that respect),” Wilder outlined a challenging conversation with his children.
At the end of May, Deontay Wilder was recently immortalized in bronze with a life-sized statue located in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The statue that was made by the local artist, Caleb O’Connor has been placed outside of Tuscaloosa’s tourism building.
However, Wilder did not want it to be displayed until he unified the heavyweight titles. But now, as he makes a return to the sport, the 36-years-old Wilder feels the time is right.
Wilder Could Face The Winner of Usyk VS Joshua
Fight Against Sparred Partner
Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KO) has not fought since his October 2021 trilogy bout loss to Tyson Fury, an instant heavyweight classic that saw Wilder stopped in the 11th round. He’d been down in the third, 10th, and 11th rounds, and also dropped Fury twice in the fourth round.
It was his second straight loss, both coming by stoppage against Fury. His last win came in 2019, when he stopped Luis Ortiz in the seventh round of their rematch.
Now 36, the “Bronze Bomber” will likely look to position himself to regain his old WBC if and when Fury actually vacates to go along with his 19 retirements. You might wonder if this fight itself could be for the vacant WBC title, but while not impossible — the WBC and all sanctioning bodies can do what they want — it seems unlikely. Wilder is the No. 1-ranked contender, but the 38-year-old Helenius is only ranked No. 10.
“So, here I am once again, looking forward to returning to the ring. I am looking forward to coming to Barclays Center, a place where I have had my most devastating knockouts and a place I consider my second home.
“So where all my Bombzquad people at? It’s time to put on your war gear. And let’s go to work, baby. Bombzquad is back!” said Wilder.
Robert Helenius says Wladimir Klitschko didn't want to fight him - Bad Left Hook
Robert Helenius (31-3, 20 KOs) pulled off a shocker when he knocked out undefeated, highly ranked Adam Kownacki in the fourth round in their first match in March 2020.
Helenius (31-3, 20 KO) is coming off of two straight TKO wins over Adam Kownacki that have given his career new life. The Finnish heavyweight is a plenty capable enough veteran and hard enough puncher that if Wilder just isn’t right or doesn’t have it anymore, he’s certainly dangerous, but if Wilder is even the fighter we saw a year ago, he’ll deserve to be the clear favorite.
The ironic thing about Wilder’s opponent is that Helenius helped him prepare for the trilogy fight with Fury as his sparred partner. It means that their upcoming fight seems likely to be an outlet for Wilders’s anger for his first defeat in his career.
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