Deontay Wilder promised to come in lighter than his last fight – and he certainly has.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ took to the scales at 214.5lb – a massive 23.5lb lighter than he weighed in his trilogy fight against Tyson Fury. This current weight is reminiscent of the old Deontay Wilder who knocked out Luis Ortiz in 2018 and then went on to fight Fury to a split decision in their first meeting.
Since then, the former champion’s weight has crept up with each fight, culminating in 238lb in his last fight – a KO loss at the hands of ‘The Gypsy King.’ His return to the ring this Saturday is officially the start of his comeback, with another stint as champion on his mind.
The knockout artist has previously spoken about feeling ‘sluggish’ in the ring against Fury in 2021, and likely bulked up because of the narrative that Fury would lean on and bully him otherwise. Many fans think the American looked gassed early on in the fight, and the extra weight could have certainly played a part.
The lower number is certainly where Wilder looks more comfortable, and his power seems to stay with him if he’s trim or bulked up. It’s not a surprise to say that, at this weight, he’s coming in to utilise quick movements and explosive punches.
Wilder’s opponent, Robert Helenius, posted up 253lb on the scales – a number we’re much more accustomed to in the heavyweight division, but not necessarily for him. It’s the heaviest he’ll enter the ring since 2016 – and people in the sport are already speculating that he’s taking a page from the Fury playbook in trying to impose bulk on the lighter man in Wilder.
The Finnish fighter is coming off the back of two impressive victories over Adam Kownacki, and will look to use his experience sparring Wilder to his advantage.
Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius final face-off ahead of tomorrow night…
[📽️ @PremierBoxing] pic.twitter.com/xD0IMoDMxd
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 14, 2022
It all goes down in Brooklyn this weekend. UK fans can tune in via Fite TV for £12.99, while home viewers stateside will have access on FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view.
You can watch the full weigh in video courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions.