Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is ready to step back inside the ring and secure his standing in the division.
Wilder meets Robert Helenius on October 15 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout will serve as the FOX Sports Premier Boxing Champions main event.
“This is an exciting time. It’s special for the heavyweight division,” Wilder said. “I’m really looking forward to October 15 at Barclays Center. This is going to be an amazing fight. Even though we know each other well, make no mistake, when it’s time to turn it on, the fans are going to leave with another memorable moment.
“October 15 is the return of the king. I’m looking forward to returning to my second home. My second reign is going to be filled with joy and excitement for me and those who support me. I’m looking to put on great fights like I always have.
One of the greatest knockout artists in boxing history, Wilder will look to make the first step towards becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion with a victory over Helenius.
“Changing the way we train has definitely opened up my mind leading into this fight,” Wilder said. “Training the same way all the time can get boring. This camp has been more fun and more exciting. I made it my business to do pre-camp away from home, before coming back to Alabama for sparring. It’s definitely refreshed me in this business of boxing.
“Sparring someone and fighting when it actually counts are two different things. Sparring is more of a practice. If Robert feels that he’s going to be able to match my showmanship, then I have to take his word for it. It will bring more excitement to the fight.”
Helenius comes in off a knockout of Adam Kownacki in 2020 from the Barclays Center.
“I’m finally back in Brooklyn and it feels really good. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready for this fight. I’m doing everything in my power to be my best self on fight night,” Helenius said. “I’m very blessed to be in this position. I’ve been in this game for a long time. I was knocking guys out in 2011 before I had a severe injury that kept me out for a long time. Now is the first time that I really feel like I’m back.”
