Deontay Wilder knew “instantly” that he must make a comeback after unveiling of Alabama statue.
The former WBC World Heavyweight Champion admitted that he “knew he had to come back” after his appearance at the unveiling of his new statue in his hometown, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ appeared to walk away from the sport following back-to-back knockout defeats to Tyson Fury and losing his world title.
However, the reveal of this statue has clearly moved him, and he now seems keen to “motivate and inspire” the next generation after witnessing such a warm reception on the day of the ceremony, squashing rumours of a potential retirement.
When asked on the PBC Podcast if that was a pivotal moment in deciding to return, the 36-year-old replied:
“Yeah, I knew it then.
Just to see the people show their gratitude to me, it got me emotional.
It’s what greatness is supposed to look like.
I just knew instantly, immediately that I had to have a conversation with my children and tell them sorry, daddy’s got to go back.
More people out there need motivating, they need inspiring.”
The 2008 Beijing Bronze Medallist had gone unbeaten in his 43 fights (42-0-1) since turning professional back in 2008, with an astonishing 41 knockouts along the way.
This has cemented Wilder’s position as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, but Wilder will be hoping to prove he is more than just a hard puncher, after showing improvements in other areas under new trainer Malik Scott in his most recent fight.
Regardless of any future achievements that Wilder may have in the ring, he is already regarded as a hometown hero in his beloved Tuscaloosa, but Wilder will undoubtedly be aiming to bring the belts back home and add to his boxing legacy, after the announcement of his comeback. Stating that he still has “more to give” to the sport.
Wilder fights the well-respected, Robert Helenius (31-3), on October 15th at the Barclays Center in New York as he looks to re-announce himself to the heavyweight scene.
Helenius is a former sparring partner of Wilder, but he will be no pushover on fight night, coming into the fight following successive victories over highly-rated Adam Kownacki and now hoping to mount a world title charge of his own.