Over the years, Deontay Wilder’s name and power became the stuff of legend. His dangerous knockout percentage resulted in multiple opponents dropping to the canvas. The former WBC heavyweight champion had it all until he didn’t. Now, he is ready to start the next chapter of his career.
Wilder returns to the ring on October 15. He faces Robert Helenius inside the Barclays Center. One of the top heavyweights in America, Wilder’s impact in and out of the ring is undeniable. It may have been enough for him to stop boxing. Still, he returns to the sport he loves.
What factors led to Wilder returning for the first time since October 2021?
Speaking with The Sporting News’ Andreas Hale, Wilder discussed that he was 85% out, 15% in. Returning home to Alabama, Wilder received a statue in the heart of Dixie. The moment moved fans, which motivated him. He is content with who he is and is ready to give more.
“I’ve always been that (The People’s Champion). I’m riding that flag strong,” Wilder stated. “It was just an amazing feeling to see the people that came, to see the emotions. Even the simple things. I don’t take it for granted. I come from there, I know what it feels like… To be in a position where I am now, I don’t have it all, but I have everything I need. I’m providing my greatness every time I step foot on ground.
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“My family is taken care of. They’ll be taken care of when I’m here and when I die.”
A 2007 Golden Gloves winner and a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Wilder won the WBC heavyweight title in 2015 against Bermane Stiverne. Wilder defended the title ten times, with a draw against Tyson Fury in the middle of those defenses.
Wilder lost the title against Fury in a rematch in February 2020 via TKO. He returned in October 2021. Fury knocked him out in the eleventh round in the trilogy bout to retain the WBC title.
He now faces Helenius. “The Nordic Nightmare” beat Adam Kownacki via TKO in March 2020 in what was considered an upset. Helenius’ last bout was a rematch against Kownacki in October 2021, where Helenius won again via TKO.
What can we expect from Wilder at this point in his career?
“My training has changed up,” Wilder went on to say. “You can train for so many years doing the same thing until it becomes boring. Although you’re putting 110% into training, it can still be boring. We changed up a lot of different things. I’m doing a hell of a lot more rounds than I have ever done (20, 30, 40 rounds a day).
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“It’s kind of exciting for me to understand that I don’t have no limitations. As long as I have the heart. The heart rules everything, not your mind. The mind will tell you to give up, tell you to quit. With your heart, you’ll die for whatever. That’s why they say, ‘follow your heart.’ They can expect the best of Deontay Wilder. When I step in that square ring, things happen. I’ll still be that same beast and give people great fights and excitement.
Wilder is expecting to show he is still a powerful force inside the ring. With a win, Wilder will be back in contention for the WBC heavyweight title. “The Bronze Bomber” is in reach of returning to his former glory.
Embracing a new and healthy mindset, Wilder is ready to put on a performance fans will never forget.
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