11-0 Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor developing his skills at Deontay Wilder and Andrii Novytskyi
NEW YORK CITY (March 26, 2026) – Rising undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (11-0, 7 KOs) has been gaining invaluable experience attending week-long training camps this month to be a sparring partner for past World Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight prospect Andrii “Rampage” Novytskyi (15-0, 11 KOs).
“When I’m invited to training camps,” the 29-year-old Taylor said, “it’s because they need good sparring. Usually, I don’t train with them, but I did work out with Andrii, and Wilder would hang out with us (4 sparring partners) after sparring him a few rounds, one of us right after the other. I learn better sparring and eventually I’m going to fight guys like them who are tall and move fast. I learned how to get inside faster at these last two camps.”
The 6’ 6”, 245-pound Novytskyi faces 6’ 4”, 260-pound Alexander Flores (21-5-1, 19 KOs) tomorrow night (Friday, Mar. 27) in Long Beach, California. Taylor (6’4”, 275-pounds) said they brought him to the Los Angeles training camp on March 7 because of his similar size to Flores and that they fought two Team Boxing League matches in 2023 (Flores on the LA Elite team, Taylor for NYC Attitude), splitting a pair of decisions.
Two days after he left LA, Taylor arrived at Wilder’s much different training camp, at his spacious mansion in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The world heavyweight champion from 2015-2020, Wilder was preparing for his 12-round fight on April 4th against (6’, 1”, 260-pound) Derek “War” Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) at O2 Arena in Greenwich, United Kingdom.
“Wilder was inspiring,” Taylor gushed. “His mansion had a gym, basketball court, lake and a ferry to cross it. I got to see what could eventually come from my career. I wasn’t surprised by what he had, but I was surprised by how cool he is. He hung out with us (sparring partners) and gave us all a lot of good advice. He said he liked my style and that was really cool to hear. I resemble Chisora in the ring and that’s why they brought me to camp.”
Taylor admitted he got a small taste of what could be his future.
Taylor is tentatively slated to fight May 9th in Atlanta.
Keith Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, also manages undefeated 3-time, 2-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5), Bronx NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez (4-1, 2 KOs), Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs), lightweight Fei Faiva (6-0-1, 4 KOs) and junior featherweight prospect Brooklyn “The Big Deal” Barwick (4-1, 4 KOs). Sullivan co-manages IBF Welterweight World title challenger Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) and his cousin, middleweight Jim Donovan (2-0, 1 KO), alongside coach and ex-world champion Andy Lee.
INFORMATION
Facebook: #PryceTaylor #sullivangalleshaw
Instagram: @PryceTaylor_23 @sullivan_galleshaw
X: @PryceTaylor1022
DAZN News and Notes: Barboza vs. Sims & Chisora vs. Wilder on Deck for DAZN
Starting off March with a bang, DAZN’s 2026 boxing slate continued its action-packed start following Emanuel Navarrete’s dismantling of Eduardo Nunez, unifying WBO and IBF titles via an 11th round TKO.
The action continues this Saturday, March 14, when Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) faces Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-3-1, 8 KOs) in a must-win fight for both boxers. Sims Jr. most recently took a controversial loss at the hands of Oscar Duarte in August, while Barboza lost his WBO World Super Lightweight fight to Teofimo Lopez last May.
Both fighters look to get back to their winning ways in Anaheim, Calif., as former interim champion Barboza Jr. seeks another shot at a title while Sims Jr. looks to initiate another nine fight win streak in the Honda Center. Main event ring walks are set to commence at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT.
The stacked undercard puts the WBA, WBO and Ring minimumweight titles on the line when Oscar Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) challenges Jesus Haro (13-3, 2 KOs) in the co-main event.
Undisputed and undefeated flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) will fight Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs) with her IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Flyweight Titles on the line in a highly anticipated 10-round bout.
Another premier fight takes place this Saturday in Ireland when Anthony Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs) challenges Jazza Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) for his WBA super featherweight belt. Coverage from Dublin for Dickens’ first title defense begins at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.
Rolling into next month, DAZN’s boxing coverage will see former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) face two-time world title contender Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) at the O2 in London on April 4.
In both heavyweight’s 50th professional fight, Chisora seeks his fourth-straight win to head into retirement while Wilder also heads to London fresh off a TKO of Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. The pair of longtime friends were set to fight 13 years ago before Wilder’s withdrawal to travel issues, but will finally get a chance to duke it out on Chisora’s home soil on April 4.
The entire slew of fights is streaming worldwide on DAZN and can be viewed via a DAZN subscription. Purchase your subscription at THIS LINK to watch over 185 fights a year airing worldwide exclusively on DAZN.
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VIDDAL RILEY FACES EURO CHAMP MASTERNAK ON CHISORA VS. WILDER UNDERCARD, LIVE ON DAZN
Viddal Riley’s credentials as a world champion-in-the-making will face an acid test when he challenges the formidable Mateusz Masternak on April 4, live on DAZN.
British title holder Riley takes on the hardened EBU European champion Masternak at London’s O2, on the undercard of the mammoth Dereck Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder heavyweight showdown.
A win over Masternak opens the door to a world title shot for Riley, but he knows the Polish road warrior will push him to the limit when the cruiserweights collide in the capital.
Masternak, a former world title challenger and two-time European champion, knows all about British opposition, having traded punches with former cruiserweight kings Tony Bellew and Chris Billiam-Smith.
The 38-year-old rates Riley, the 13-0 rising force in the division, as better than both of those previous domestic opponents but has still vowed to return to Poland with the famous blue belt around his waist.
Riley is under no illusions as to the size of the task in front of him yet expects to take a giant leap towards the top echelons of the sport, with the biggest win of his career.
Viddal Riley said: “It’s a new dawn. It’s a new chapter. MF PRO is the launch of a new beginning in my career and there’s no better way to enter this stage than with another difficult test.
“I’ve decided to challenge a seasoned veteran and former world title contender for his EBU Cruiserweight title, this is pivotal on the climb into world honours, and I expect a test but one I am more than capable of shining through.
“Chisora vs Wilder is a massive event and I’m excited to display my skills under my new promotion who are truly invested in assisting me to the top.”
Mateusz Masternak said: “I’m really pleased this fight is happening. It’s a tough challenge, and in my opinion he’s a better fighter than Billam-Smith — even better than Bellew. I took this fight because I truly believe he’s the best British cruiserweight out there right now.
“I’m excited to be part of such a big event and to have the chance to perform in front of a large audience. I’m fully motivated and ready — I’m going there to defend my title and bring my belt back home.”
Kalle Sauerland said: “Strap yourselves in because Viddal Riley is about to take his career to a whole new level.
“Challenging Masternak, the hardman of the cruiserweight division, officially launches Viddal’s assault towards world titles.
“A fight with Masternak has been a rite of passage for so many of the best cruiserweights of the last decade or more, and we believe that Viddal is destined to get to the very top.
“But be under no illusions, there is no easy way to get there and he must be better than he’s ever been before, in order to get past the European champ.
“The cruiserweight division is one of my favourites in the sport and on April 4, at a packed out O2 and live on DAZN, will we witness to birth of a new star.”
Amer Abdallah said: “Since his pro debut, Viddal has consistently tested himself against top competition, climbing step by step toward a world title.
“On April 4, he faces his toughest challenge yet, in his backyard, on a massive stage, and ready to show the world exactly why he’s destined to be World Champion. Two words define this moment… “AND NEW”!”
DAZN AND MF PRO ANNOUNCE LONG TERM BROADCAST DEAL
MF Pro and DAZN will team up to deliver some of the biggest fights in the sport, including April 4’s blockbuster heavyweight clash between Dereck Chisora and Deontay Wilder.
MF Pro has grabbed the world’s attention with Chisora vs. Wilder and today delivers another knockout announcement, by partnering with global sports entertainment giant DAZN.
News of another exciting MF Pro show, live only on DAZN, will be announced tomorrow.
Kalle Sauerland, who has promoted close to 50 world champions in his illustrious career, said: “MF Pro sent shockwaves through the sport when announcing Chisora vs. Wilder and today we deliver yet another statement of intent by announcing this long-term deal with DAZN.
“DAZN is the global home of boxing and there is no better place to showcase MF Pro events, to DAZN’s huge audience of sports fans around the world.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with DAZN and can’t wait to work together on delivering must-see fights.”
Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MF Pro to DAZN, underlining our position as the global home of boxing.
“DAZN already works with the sport’s leading promoters and delivers an unrivalled schedule of major fight nights to fans worldwide. Adding MF Pro enhances the breadth of our boxing offering even further.
“With excitement building around marquee events such as Chisora vs Wilder, this partnership reinforces DAZN as the platform where the biggest fights and elite promoters come together.”
Chisora vs. Wilder, on April 4, is available globally on DAZN PPV.
Fans can also sign up to DAZN Ultimate, the definitive boxing subscription, which includes a minimum of 12 PPVs a year, including Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios and this explosive heavyweight encounter, plus more than 180 other great fights.
DEREK CHISORA VS. DEONTAY WILDER FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LONDON, February 4, 2026 — Live from Glaziers Hall in London, UK, two immovable forces in Derek “War” Chisora and Deontay Wilder stepped up to the stage to discuss their upcoming head-on collision on April 4 at London’s O2 Arena, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide and presented by MF Pro and Queensberry Promotions.
Widely regarded as the toughest heavyweight of his generation, Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) and Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) encompass a must-see showdown as both fighters will be making their 50th professional bout appearance, putting pride, legacy, and the future of their careers on the line in this high-stakes heavyweight spectacle. The winner will immediately be thrust into the boxing world spotlight as they’ll earn a chance at dethroning Oleksandr Usyk.
Most recently, Wilder – the former WBC heavyweight champion – ended a two-fight losing streak after he put down Tyrrell Herndon via a seventh-round TKO last June. This time around, he’ll aim to stack back-to-back victories against one of England’s top heavyweights over the last decade-plus. As for Chisora, the former heavyweight title challenger is enjoying a career revival after winning three consecutive fights over Gerald Washington, Joe Joyce, and Otto Wallin.
Hosted by Adam Smith, below is what the fighters and their teams had to say ahead of the iconic heavyweight showdown.
Deontay Wilder
On why this fight against Derek Chisora and why now…
“I believe in divine timing. Why not here? Some of the best boxing fans in the world live here. We have the O2 Arena, Derek Chisora, and I’m looking forward to this…I need it. I need Derek more than he needs me. I feel like I’ve been broken down and rebuilt, with high spirits. I can’t wait.”
On this being a must-win fight…
“This is definitely a must win for me. Not only a win, but I need a devastating win. I need a knockout. I don’t want anyone to get our friendship misconstrued – we don’t fake it. That said, when fight night arrives, everything will switch off. You will see two enemies in the ring that are going to try to whoop each other. I told Derek [Chisora], ‘I want you to try to kill me,’ because I need that.”
On why he has so much respect for Derek Chisora…
“Respect is earned and not given. This is another man who risks his life in the ring. This is all I ever felt from him. When you get out of the ring and release that energy, it brings you closer. I think this fight will bring us even closer.”
On who is the star of this fight…
“I don’t think one name is bigger than the other. Many guys wouldn’t fight their friends, so you know we have sick minds to want to fight each other like this.”
On if he can get back into his fighting mentality after the Fury fight…
That mentality is there and ready to bust out. It will be there on April 4. I’ve been through a lot outside of the ring. I’ve had to do a lot of work mentally. We’re fighters but we’re not robots. We have lives outside of boxing and emotions. In life, no one person has it all figured out. But here I am now, rebuilding myself. I still have more left. The fire is still in me and it will show.”
Derek Chisora
On why the buildup to the fight seems so cool and casual…
“We’re old – can you imagine two grown men wrestling? We want to sell this fight in a different way. There’s so much love between me and him [Deontay Wilder]…I always wanted to fight him. One of my favorite things about this whole thing is I introduced him to fish and chips…he’s my boy.”
On finally getting to see this matchup…
“If fighters speak to each other then fights would be happening. If you want to fight somebody, speak to them yourself. I’m just happy me and him [Deontay Wilder] are fighting and that Frank [Warren] is with me today.”
On what his last fight holds…
“Right now we’re just happy to be in the same room hanging out with each other. But when he [Deontay Wilder] arrives in April for that first press conference, it’s done. The friendship is out the window. Then after four, five, six rounds, when we hug and shake, we’ll be back as brothers.”
On who is the star in this fight…
“We are both the stars. I believe if he [Deontay Wilder] wasn’t here, we probably wouldn’t have this big crowd here. He has better knockouts than me, so I think he’s a bigger star than me.”
Amer Abdallah, President, MF Pro
On being involved in this heavyweight event…
“For me, Derek [Chisora] and Deontay [Wilder] are personal friends of mine, so to be able to put a fight like this together is a tremendous honor. This is MF Pro coming out of the gates and this is traditional boxing, our inception with Chisora and Wilder. It couldn’t be better to have Frank [Warren] and Queensberry as our partner promoter, while also being aired worldwide on DAZN. April 4 is going to be an absolute blast.”
Alfie Sharman, VP at DAZN
On what makes this fight appealing…
“These two are icons of heavyweight boxing. It’s going to be an amazing throw down on April 4, live exclusively on DAZN and at the O2.”
Shelly Finkel, Wilder Manager
On what excites him about the challenge of Deontay Wilder going against Derek Chisora…
“Everyone says how calm and mild this guy is, but I know the other Chisora. I was there when he turned the table over and I had to jump to get out of the way. This is a great test. I believe my guy will win, but I don’t think it’s easy by any means. It’s a very dangerous fight and I’m glad I’m part of it.”
“My guy is coming to win, and win by knockout. And if he doesn’t, it’s because he’s [Deontay Wilder] as good as people say.”
Kalle Sauerland, MF Pro
On if this fight is win-at-all-cost for both fighters…
“Let’s keep it real, they’re [Chisora and Wilder] at the twilight of their careers. But what a crime it would be if this generation didn’t get to see this fight. They both have their legacies, but it might be time to say goodbye to one of them on April 4.”
Frank Warren, Chairman and Founder of Queensberry Promotions
On his excitement going into this fight…
“I’m a fight fan. Some fights have fight written all over it, and this is one of those. In this fight, it’s the facts of life. The loser will go home and the winner will go on. Both of these guys [Chisora and Wilder] are walk forward fighters. As soon as that bell goes you’re going to get a war.”
Boxing fans can sign up for DAZN Ultimate and get a minimum of 12 PPVs a year, including access to this month’s The Ring: High Stakes Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios as well as this explosive heavyweight encounter at no extra cost.
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WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
NEW YORK CITY (February 2, 2026) – The heart of Times Square stood still today as former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and veteran powerhouse Derek “WAR” Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time, officially announcing their high-stakes bout scheduled for April 4, 2026, at The O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom.
The face-off, staged in front of hundreds of fans and a global media presence at Duffy Square, marked the electrifying kickoff of one of the year’s most anticipated heavyweight clashes — promoted by MF Pro, under the leadership of Amer Abdallah and Kalle Sauerland.
Wilder Eyes a Statement Victory on UK Soil
Deontay Wilder, the hard-hitting American known for his thunderous knockouts and unrelenting fight spirit, didn’t mince words at the event. Wilder, who last fought in late 2025, enters this bout with renewed focus and sees the UK stage as an opportunity to reignite his march toward heavyweight supremacy.
“This is more than just a comeback — this is a warning shot to the entire heavyweight division,” said Wilder. “I respect Chisora. He’s tough, he’s gritty, but on April 4, I remind the world why I’m still the most dangerous man in boxing.”
Chisora Promises Chaos at The O2
Never one to back down from a war, Derek Chisora, the UK’s beloved warrior, stood defiant across from Wilder in Times Square. Known for his relentless style and iron chin, Chisora vowed to bring the heat in front of a hometown crowd at The O2. “This is what I live for,” Chisora growled. “The bright lights, the big fights, the doubters — bring them all. April 4, it’s WAR in my backyard, and I’m coming to shock the world.”
Amer Abdallah, President of MF Pro and former world kickboxing champion turned boxing executive, framed the moment as a landmark for heavyweight boxing. “You have two of the most exciting fighters in the sport — Wilder with that one-punch equalizer power and Chisora with unmatched heart and pressure. It’s a can’t-miss fight,” said Abdallah, who believes this is a true global heavyweight event. “We wanted to announce this in the world’s biggest media center — Times Square — because this fight is a global blockbuster.”
Renowned promoter Kalle Sauerland emphasized the significance of bringing this bout to London. “Two massive names, and two legends of the sport meet on one memorable, historic night in the heavyweight division.” Sauerland said. “Chisora vs. Wilder will be a true heavyweight shoot-out with one legend departing from the sport and one going on to further glory. We at MF Pro, as well as our partners at DAZN and Queensberry are proud to deliver this to boxing fans exclusively live on DAZN and for those lucky enough to witness the spectacle live from the iconic O2 in London. The world will witness a piece of boxing history being made in a fight which will be watched on repeat for decades to come. The stakes are sky-high; this is all about legacy, it’s history and it’s going to be spine-tingling.
EDDIE HEARN TELLS FLASH KNOCKDOWN PODCAST: ‘DAVE ALLEN COULD FIGHT DEONTAY WILDER NEXT – IF HE BEATS ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV
Eddie Hearn has laid down a life changing gauntlet to Dave Allen with a potential fight against Deontay Wilder in the offing if he conquers Arslanbek Makhumdov on October 11.
The huge Heavyweight clash – broadcast live worldwide on DAZN – is heading for a sell-out at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
And Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn believes ‘Cinderella Man’ Allen is on course for more big fight nights in 2026, providing he can defeat the Canadian-based ‘Lion’ Makhmudov, who has 20 wins to his name, with 19 knockouts, having previously mixed it with the likes of Agit Kabayel, Carlos Takam and Mariusz Wach.
“If Dave Allen beats Makhmudov, he puts himself inline for some huge fights,” said Hearn, speaking on the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Flash Knockdown Podcast.
“I like the Deontay Wilder fight, personally. We’ve reached out to Shelly Finkel [Wilder’s manager] to talk about that, but let’s see what happens on October 11 first.”
Last remaining tickets are on sale now – with full event details available at matchroomboxing.com.
Hearn is expecting the atmosphere to be rocking in the Steel City and hopes it will spur the ‘White Rhino’ on to his biggest career win to date.
“It’s going to be a packed out Utilita Arena in Sheffield,”Hearn added.
“It’s a massive night for Dave and as I say if he wins, he will waltz into the biggest fight of his career.”
Deontay Wilder in a fight to restore his identity
By Norm Frauenheim
Deontay Wilder, another example of how heavyweight power frightens and fascinates, will attempt to ensure fans and mostly himself that his defining right is still there, scary as ever.
There’s a body of evidence, powerful in its own right, to doubt it.
Doubt him.
Wilder is 39 and coming off a couple of years when he looked a lot older. But his return to the ring, in Kansas Friday night against somebody named Tyrrell Herndon, is attracting attention.
Herndon doesn’t have a chance. At least, he shouldn’t. He’s a 37-year-old San Antonio heavyweight (24-5, 15 KOs), who is 3-0 since Top Rank prospect Richard Torrez Jr. knocked him out midway through the second round in October 2023.
Herndon, stopped in four of his five defeats, looks like the perfect springboard for Wilder’s promised resurrection in Wichita from a 1-4 record over his last five bouts, including a TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang 12 months ago and a unanimous decision to Joseph Parker in December 2023.
The promise is part of the promotion, which is calling the BLK Prime-streamed bout “Legacy Reloaded.” It’s a complicated legacy. Surprising, too. That’s why much of the media and perhaps fans are interested in Wilder’s risky comeback.
There are stakes, of course. If Wilder does enough to at least show there’s still potential for him to regain a piece of who he was, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is talking about a fight against faded Anthony Joshua. No telling what promoters would call Wilder-Joshua. “Past Prime Time?” Insert more punch lines here. But you get the idea.
By now, of course, it’s no secret there’s talk that Wilder is shot.
Even old rival Tyson Fury has come around to saying Wilder should retire. Fury heard some of the same talk, all rooted in a furious trilogy that ended with Fury’s wild win by 11th-round stoppage of Wilder in October 2021. It was a fight as violent as any over the last couple of decades. Wilder was down three times; Fury twice.
In the aftermath, neither was the same. Fury fought five more times, getting a gift decision over MMA fighter Francis Ngannou and losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk in his last two.
At first, Fury dismissed suggestions that the Wilder trilogy had taken something from him. Recently, however, he’s conceded that it did. Another big paycheck could always change Fury’s plans. He’s known to retire and un-retire at a dizzy pace and all at a price.
In recent comments, however, Fury has said that Wilder should retire for the same reason he’s still retired. They took their best from each other. Welcome inside the ring. That’s the price of admission.
Wilder, who never beat Fury, is perhaps trying to prove his old rival wrong. He insists he has gone to great lengths to re-discover the feared and fearless heavyweight he was on a run that saw him knock out his first 32 opponents.
It was extraordinary, especially for a fighter who never had been expected to do much. He wanted to play football at Alabama, the college powerhouse in Tuscaloosa, his hometown. He thought about basketball and enrolled in a junior college. But he was never a prospect on the field or on the court. Yet, he kept searching. Finally, he walked into a boxing gym. He was 20, ancient by boxing’s amateur stewards.
It was in the gym that he and trainers discovered he could throw a right hand with the kind of leverage only welterweight/middleweight Thomas Hearns had. It was deadly and dynamic. Few knew about it simply because of his age and modest entry to an old craft that has seen it all.
Wilder, perhaps boxing’s most unlikely heavyweight champion in the modern era, went his own way, in large part because he knew no other way.
He stood alone, an unlikely American to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. Then, he won bronze, the only medal won by an American in Beijing. Hence, he called himself The Bronze Bomber, after Joe Louis, who also grew up in Alabama. He entered the pros and suddenly began to unleash a right as lethal as any since Hearns.
Still, nobody believed. There were questions about his footwork, his defense, his ring smarts. Throughout it all, he continued to beat everyone in front of him until Fury, who halted his historical run with an amazing draw in Los Angeles in December 2019. Fury, the skilled boxer, fought him to a standstill, but not because of that versatile, clever skill set. Fury took the punch. Got up. Endured.
Only, Fury was able to break the myth and in the process fracture the way that Wilder saw himself. Without the power, there was no Wilder. The draw set up the rematches, both won by Fury who had in the process stripped Wilder of his identity. Over the subsequent years, Wilder says he labored — often in desperation — to repair and restore that identity.
Now, he insists he has.
He told Boxing Scene this week that he hired a sports psychologist to repair broken confidence and perhaps mend an identity crisis. Wilder’s fragile psychology has always been part of his story.
His emotions — like that right hand — have been there, ever present and a source of who he is.
Those emotions were also there about a year-and-a-half ago, outside of the ropes and inside a television studio for a reality TV series, The Traitors. It’s a show about friendship and betrayal. Wilder had a role as “a Friend.” But then he decided another so-called friend had betrayed him. He called him “a Traitor’’ and had him banished from the show. Later, Wilder broke down in tears and left the show before the third episode.
It was an emotional scene that fans and media had seen from Wilder throughout his boxing career, especially during the intense rivalry with Fury. A suspicious and angry Wilder alleged that Fury’s gloves had been illegally manipulated in the second fight, won by Fury in a seventh-round TKO in February 2020.
Wilder’s emotions were edgy and evident, there for all to see. It was a Mike Tyson-like moment, also a heavyweight whose mix of remembered power and emotion continue to draw an audience.
Over the years, that mix has been as genuine as it has been volatile. It’s why people watch. They might watch again Friday, just to see if Wilder has rediscovered any of what looked to be lost in fury and taken by Fury.
Benavidez Jr. under suspension for positive cocaine test
Jose Benavidez Jr., is under suspension for testing positive for cocaine after his stoppage Danny Rosenberger Feb. 1 on the Las Vegas undercard of brother David Benavidez victory over David Morrell.
Jose Benavidez, a former junior-welterweight champion, was also assessed a $3,750 fine. The Phoenix-born fighter, no reading in Seattle, will be under suspension through Oct. 31.
It’s not clear what the suspension will mean to the 33-year-old, who is best known for taking pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford into the final round of a challenging welterweight date — October 2018 — in Omaha, Crawford’s hometown. Crawford stopped Benavidez in the twelfth.
Benavidez (28-3-1, )19 KOs) is 1-2-1 since then. His victory over Rosenberger was changed to no-contest. Benavidez, a 17-year-old national champion as a Phoenix amateur, will have to undergo a random testing process if he hopes to continue boxing.
The positive test had been rumored for weeks. The Nevada Commission ruled on it June 20.
Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (June 23, 2025) – Only two weeks after his last fight, fast-tracked Kansas boxing phenom Marco “El Tiburon” Romero (8-0, 7 KOs) returns this Friday night in Wichita to fight on the “Legacy Reloaded” card, presented by Global Combat Collective, and headlined by the ring return of former world heavyweight champion and 2008 US Olympic bronze medalist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder.
Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) takes on Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) in the 10-round main event, while super middleweight prospect Romero faces undefeated Hawaiian Andre Amaro (2-0, 2 KOs) in a scheduled 6-round bout.
“Legacy Reloaded” will air live from the Charles Koch Arena, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, and be distributed by BLK Prine and Integrated Sports across the United States and Canada live on Cable, Satellite, and Digital Pay-per-View via iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH, Bell TV, Rogers, Fubo, and PPV.com for $24.95. It will also be available for streaming via Digital PPV and BLKPrime.com.
In his fourth fight of 2025, Romero attacked his opponent from the opening bell, displaying another vicious body attack, to register an impressive second-round technical knockout of Nafys Anas Garner (4-2) on June 14 in Portland, Maine.
“Any opportunity I have to step in the ring, especially in Kansas, I’m going to give the audience my best,” Romero concluded. “It’s important for me to put on a show to gain new fans in Kansas and from around the world. Anybody who wants to get on the ‘El Tiburon’ train is welcome.”
“Marco is excited to be on this card that is so close to his home, and he is more than ready to notch his ninth victory,” manager/head coach Brown commented. “He’s inching his way to Kansas City, where he will have the opportunity to display his talents in front of a home crown on September 6 in his hometown of Olathe, Kansas.”
Deontay Wilder: One writer’s fighter
By Norm Frauenheim –
It looks as if Deontay Wilder’s improbable career has come to an end. Let’s hope so, anyway.
Zhilei Zhang delivered an unmistakable message in Saudi Arabia Saturday with successive rights that sent Wilder spinning onto the canvas like debris caught in a whirlpool.
It’s over, Deontay. More time in harm’s way only means the kind of harm that more money can’t correct. It was hard to watch. Sad in many ways.
I was there in 2008 when Wilder, an unknown novice from Tuscaloosa, won a modest bronze at the Beijing Olympics. He was a story only because he was the only American to win a boxing medal at the Beijing Games.
Then, he looked like another symbol of what was wrong with American boxing and its storied place in Olympic history, sports history.
Most of the U.S. media had already written off American boxing, Olympic and professional. It was on the fringe, and editors were trying to push it off that edge and into extinction. They still are.
Then, Wilder looked like an ominous marker on that road to nowhere. I was in Beijing for the same reason everybody else was.
I covered Michael Phelps’ record-setting eight gold medals in the pool. I watched Usain Bolt sprint into a history defined by Jesse Owens, Bob Hayes and Carl Lewis.
I wrote about Henry Cejudo, a Mexican-American from Phoenix who won wrestling gold yet couldn’t get his mom into China because of questions about her immigration status.
But, 16 years later, I mostly remember Wilder.
He sat in a dank, aging building in a dark Beijing neighborhood somewhere far from an Olympic complex that the Chinese had built to showcase their confidence and ambitions.
For now, boxing is still an Olympic sport, but you wouldn’t know it, at least not by real estate’s proverbial mantra: Location, location, location.
At the 2004 Games in Athens and then in Beijing, boxing was shoved, hidden perhaps, into urban corners not exactly known for swimming pools and rhythmic gymnastics. Good luck at finding a cab. Then again, cabbies know not to go there.
Late at night in Beijing, there was the familiar chaos in the ring and mostly outside of it. American fighters rebelled against their appointed coaches. There was a midnight news conference about bribed judges and fixed fights. Cubans were screaming at Romanians.
It was an angry mess.
But in a crowded room that smelled like an Eastern European’s arm pit, there was Wilder, a 22-year-old going on 10. He was ecstatic.
He kept shaking his head in wonder. The rest of us just shook our heads. The media figured we’d seen the the last of Wilder
For the next 10-plus years, he surprised us. He enlivened the heavyweights – the flagship division suffocated by the stoic, effective Wladimir Klitschko. The media dismissed Wilder for his lack of boxing skill. He didn’t start until he was 20. His smarts were questioned. He was called a one-hit wonder.
But his right, the biggest since Tommy Hearns’ right hand, kept blowing away everybody in front of him. It was a force of nature, a lightning bolt, that shook up boxing’s dormant division.
To wit: It was a hell of a lot of fun.
His fifth-round stoppage loss to Zhang, whose ZZ initials are a pretty good acronym for what his right does, has been explained in a lot of ways.
One theory suggests that Wilder just doesn’t have the same kind of power in his right. Maybe. He’s 38. But power is the last thing to go, especially in heavyweights. Think George Foreman.
The guess here is that Tyson Fury took away Wilder’s childlike fearlessness, especially in their violent, five-knockdown fight in October 2021.
There are still questions about whether Fury – a heavyweight great in his own right because he got up from Wilder’s ferocious right – is the same after their trilogy fight about two-and-a-half years ago.
If Fury watched Wilder fall to Zhang, he might have wondered how much Wilder took from him. It’s a question that was there in the wake of his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk, and it’s a question that lingers in his decision to fight a rematch projected for October.
At one level or another, Fury too might discover that it’s time, past-time, to walk way. Wilder should have retired after that third fight. Boxing, especially the heavyweight variety, doesn’t forgive. It just punishes.
It’s time, Deontay, to move on, to protect yourself and your family from the punches that jeopardize your future. Let your improbable career stand as an enduring example of what’s possible.
Boxing is at its best when it surprises. The unlikely Wilder is a face of its inexhaustible resilience.
I thought about that when I watched him lose to Zhang. For me, Wilder is a reason to be a fight-writer.
I say that just as my part in the business changes all over again. This column is appearing on a new, re-branded platform, TheBoxingHour.com instead of 15Rounds.com.
A couple of weeks ago, I learned that the boxing version of 15 Rounds was going away, another website change-up amid many during the last few months. Throughout my sports-writing days, I’ve been through this, ad nauseam.
Right after Beijing, I was shown the door by The Arizona Republic, where I had worked for 30-plus years.
I got a buyout, but I wasn’t ready to quit writing. I was also angry about the virtual end of my newspaper career.
When I was honored with the Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism from the Boxing Writers Association in 2008, I said in my acceptance speech that boxing would outlive newspapers. That might be the best pick I ever made.
Still, I concede that a couple of weeks ago I thought: Not again. Then, I watched Wilder in a loss at the end of a career that I saw begin.
He didn’t quit.
I won’t either.
VIDEO: ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. OTTO WALLIN & DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOSEPH PARKER PRESS CONFERENCE LIVESTREAM
ESPN and Top Rank Present “Day of Reckoning” DAZN ON ESPN+ PPV Event
ESPN and Top Rank, together with DAZN, will bring “Day of Reckoning”, a double main event featuring heavyweights Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker, to ESPN+ PPV.
The event is available for purchase on ESPN+ PPV in the United States, in addition to DAZN PPV. “Day of Reckoning” will take place on Saturday, December 23, live at 11 a.m. ET from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the $39.99 PPV here, separate streaming subscription required. New subscribers can sign up for ESPN+ here. ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com and the ESPN App for mobile and connected TV devices.
“Day of Reckoning” is the third boxing event on ESPN+ from the ESPN and DAZN collaboration following the X Series PPV event in Oct. and Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz in August.
Double Main Event:
Former two-time Unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) will face Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs), who pushed lineal champ Tyson Fury to the absolute brink in a 2019 thriller, Wallin’s only career loss.
Power-punching American KO artist and former WBC world title holder Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) co-headlines against former WBO World Champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs).
Additional PPV Highlights:
Undefeated WBA Light Heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) puts his world championship on the line against Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs). One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Bivol’s resume includes a May 2022 victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a Las Vegas PPV main event.
The card also features many of the top 10 heavyweights in the world including former WBA titleholder Daniel Dubois, #1-ranked IBF contender Filip Hrgovic, #3-ranked WBC contender Arslanbek Makhmudov and #4-ranked WBC and WBO contender Frank Sanchez.
VIDEO: Anthony Joshua & Deontay Wilder Press Conference LIVE | Day Of Reckoning Announced | Riyadh Season
“I WANT WILDER, WHYTE OR DUBOIS!” BAKOLE CALLS FOR BIG NAME BATTLES AFTER HAMMERING HULK IN POLAND
RZESZOW, POLAND – (Saturday, April 22) – After hammering ‘The Hulk’ in less than two rounds and handing the previously-undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight his first stoppage loss, Martin Bakole (19-1, 14 KO’s) called out some of the division’s biggest names to face him in the ring next.
Making his official BOXXER debut, Bakole stopped the previously undefeated ‘Ukrainian Hulk’ Ihor Shevadzutsky (10-1, 8 KO’s) at 0:45 of the second round, demonstrating exactly why he is the most avoided heavyweight on the planet.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bakole is a son of the hereditary ruler of the Kananga province and brother of former WBC world cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu, who is next in line for throne.
For the last four years he has been based in Ayrshire, where he trains under the stewardship of Billy Nelson, hence his nickname ‘The Next King of Scotland’. In keeping with his royal heritage, Bakole has his eyes on the heavyweight crown and wants a huge heavyweight showdown to be his next step towards that.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bakole said: “I want Dillian Whyte, Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk. Why not? I call people out because I know I can stop them! I made a big statement tonight. I was the first guy to stop [Hulk]. This guy has never been stopped before, I was the first to stop him.”
BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom added: “Everyone in boxing knows how good this guy is and now we need to make sure he gets to mandatory so that people can’t keep avoiding him. He’s ready for the big fights and for me Deontay Wilder is the fight he should be getting next.
“If Usyk is facing Dubois next then the thing that makes sense according to the WBA rankings I think would be Bakole against Deontay Wilder. and we’re also interested in Dillian Whyte or Daniel Dubois.”
There was another impressive heavyweight performance in the shape of rising star Jeamie TKV (5-0, 3 KO’s).
Making light work of Polish native Michal Boloz (now 5-5, 2 KO’s), the London fighter scored the third knockout win of his young professional career to take his record to five wins from five fights, with three of those wins by knockout.
Body shots were the key to victory, a rare sight in the professional heavyweight ranks, with TKV digging for gold repeatedly in Boloz’s midriff before finally folding him in half and sending him through the ring ropes during the fight-ending sequence.
“I started a bit slow, he had weight behind his punches so I needed to be smart. I knew if I caught him in the body nicely, he was going to go,” TKV told Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott at ringside post-fight.
“I’ve got more to show, more to come. I want more fights, more experience. I hope the guys at home enjoyed that knockout.”
In the main event, presented in association with Knockout Promotions, hometown hero Lukasz Rozanski (15-0, 14 KO’s) made short work of Croatian wildman Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-1, 10 KO’s) to claim the inaugural WBC World Bridgerweight Championship in front of a partisan crowd in the sold-out G2A Arena.
This was never going to go the distance – both fighters are gunslingers who favour all-out aggression and eschew defence – but the first-round finish was still surprising in its ferocity.
Rozanski found his mark first and Babic never fully recovered, being put on the back foot almost instantly and suffering a storm of heavy leather which did not relent until the referee waved the fight off at 2.10 of the second round.
Earlier in the evening, Birmingham’s Steed Woodall (18-1-1-, 11 KO’s) survived a brief wobble late in the fight to take a unanimous decision over Boris Crighton (11-3, 7 KO’s) in a bout which was closely fought for all of its eight rounds.
This event was presented in association with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.
For more reaction and for all the latest news and updates, go to BOXXER.com and follow @BOXXER on social media.
LIVE BOXING: Wilder vs Helenius: Non-Televised Prelims | PBC ON FOX
VIDEO: Robert Helenius Previews his fight against Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder: Is he the same guy after Fury?
By Norm Frauenheim –
It’s a comeback connected to a birthday.
Deontay Wilder turns 37 a week after his comeback Saturday night against former sparring partner Robert Helenius at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
The birthday on Oct. 22 will be a reason for Wilder to celebrate a second coming.
Or a cause to reconsider.
On the heavyweight calendar, 37 is still primetime. On the scale, heavyweights are bigger. On the clock, their careers last longer. But traditional measurements don’t take into account Wilder’s last fight.
It was brutal, violent in almost every way. At opening bell Saturday night (FOX PPV, 6 p.m. PT/9 pm ET) it’ll be 377 days since Wilder suffered three knockdowns in a loss to Tyson Fury in the third fight of a trilogy. It’s been called a classic, maybe because it was crazy.
Surely, it was concussive.
Fury, who was on the canvas twice, has been in and out of retirement, ad nauseam, since he came back with a sixth-round TKO of Dillian Whyte on April 23 in London. He’s offered all kinds of explanations.
The only believable one, however, is a concussion he said he sustained against Wilder. Both heavyweights suffered damage in a wild exchange of punishment that ended in the 11th round.
Question is:
How much?
The last we saw of Wilder in the ring, his eyes were vacant as he fell face first onto the canvas. It’s a dramatic image that says Wilder suffered the most.
Then, he was an ex-champion. But not an ex-fighter, although he has since said he was “85-percent’ certain he would not be back until he saw a larger-than-life statue of himself last spring in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, his hometown. That’s when he decided to come back. But statues don’t get concussed. They don’t sustain enduring damage.
Against Helenius (31-3, 20 KOs), there figures to be an answer or at least an indication as to whether Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) did.
Or didn’t.
The fight is being portrayed as a triumphant return by a likable personality, known both for his right-handed power and fearless energy. He’s unpredictable and often controversial.
He says Saturday’s bout will mark the beginning of a comeback that he foresees lasting three years. He says he’ll retire at 40. He envisions a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, the compelling Ukrainian who beat Anthony Joshua for a second time in August.
He even talks about a fourth fight with Fury. Guess here: His Hall of Fame resume is incomplete without a victory over Fury. To get in, he needs to beat Fury, who is 2-0-1 against Wilder.
A fourth fight isn’t impossible. Fury, recently frustrated at futile negotiations for an all-UK fight with Joshua, expressed his respect for Wilder this week.
But will he be the same guy? Some fights take a dangerous toll, aging a fighter beyond the number of his birthdays. The brutality of the third fight with Fury might have eroded Wilder’s willingness to walk into harm’s way.
But that won’t be evident until after he answers another opening bell. An imminent one.
VIDEO: Wilder vs Helenius FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE | #WilderHelenius
DEONTAY WILDER VS. ROBERT HELENIUS & CALEB PLANT VS. ANTHONY DIRRELL FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
BROOKLYN – October 13, 2022 – Boxing superstar and former longtime heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference as the two power-punchers promised fireworks when they meet in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The press conference also featured an intense verbal back and forth between former world champions and super middleweight rivals Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell, who square off in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event of the pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Barclays Center:
DEONTAY WILDER
“We were sparring partners and we respect each other, but don’t you worry, the beast will come out on Saturday night. It’s going to be fireworks for sure.
“The second phase of my career is going to be for the people. When my statue was unveiled in my hometown, it meant a lot to me, because I saw all the people who united to celebrate me and my accomplishments.
“I have tremendous respect for Robert. We’ve known each other for years. The reason I agreed to take this fight is because he’s on a winning streak. He’s been looking great. When they said this would be a title eliminator, I was excited, because if I’m going to be here, why not compete for something worth fighting for?
“There’s an electrifying energy that this arena possesses. I’ve had some of my most exciting knockouts right here. When I got off the plane, the energy just felt amazing. It almost feels like a second home to me.
“I put on my best performances here at Barclays Center. I’m not looking for anything less than another great performance. There’s a lot on the line and I think that I have the right opponent to give the fans what they want to see.
“We both have the warrior mentality. When you fight with your heart, you’re willing to go out on your shield. That’s what everyone is going to see on Saturday.
“You can’t look past Robert Helenius. I put in over 700 rounds in training camp and it’s been tremendous ever since pre-camp. We had to slow down a little bit to make sure I didn’t overtrain. You can go so many years doing the same thing over and over, but it becomes boring. The way we did this training camp was really refreshing.
“Many people have said many things to me about wanting to fight, but when the time came, they went another way. I’ve asked around about Oleksandr Usyk and I’ve been told he’s a man of his word. Upon me being victorious, we’ll see what happens.
“This whole second phase of my career is all about having fun. I always tell people that I’m happy and at peace in my life. Where I am, the grass is green. I’m just looking forward to Saturday night.”
ROBERT HELENIUS
“I’ve dedicated all my life to this sport. So this means everything to me. I did all my work so that I could bring my best self to this fight. I’m ready.
“Of course I respect his power. We’ve worked on our footwork and jabs a lot and we’ve been at it the whole year.
“I like being the underdog. It gives me more strength and more power in training camp and when we eventually get into the ring.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in myself. If I didn’t think that I could become the heavyweight world champion, I would have got an easier job.
“Sitting here, I don’t know what else to say. I feel like this is my time now and we’re going to give everyone a great show.
“Sparring is much different than a fight. We know that the punches are going to be for real this time. You’re going to see a smart Helenius who’s moving well in this fight.
“I don’t think about the layoffs that Deontay and I have. Sometimes I feel much better when I’ve had a lot of time off. What matters is your mentality, because if you are mentally prepared, that will make the difference.
“I’ve fought at Barclays Center before and the atmosphere is crazy. I feel like we’re going to have the same thing on Saturday night and I can’t wait.”
CALEB PLANT
“It’s been a minute since I’ve been in the ring, but after the Canelo Alvarez fight we got back to work and kept working on certain things. I’ve kept working ever since. Come Saturday night, I’m excited to show everyone what we’ve been working on.
“Leading up to this fight he’s had a lot to say about how much he doesn’t like me. But I’m not here to talk about emotions. I’m here to do a job.
“I have half the fights he has and our resumes are similar. So I’d ask, are you a bum? Because you said that all I fight are bums.
“He’s a former two-time world champion, so we’re prepared and we worked really hard for this moment. At the end of the day, I think he barks more than he bites.
“Becoming a two-time world champion would mean everything to me. I worked tirelessly my whole life to get to this point, but I have a lot more to give the fans and the sport of boxing.
“You don’t get to the world title fights without focusing on the fight in front of you. I have a fight on Saturday that I’m focused on and that’s the only thing on my mind.
“I’m looking to get my hand raised. Whatever way that it happens. It’s going to be fireworks. There’s going to be great action all night long. Everyone should tune in, because we’re going to turn up.
“I just feel like I’m going to put a whooping on him and he’ll run off into the sunset. I hope he’s fully prepared.”
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“Just don’t get on your bike Caleb. Tell me who he’s fought? He’s fought nobody. He better be ready for this.
“Being an underdog is just another way for me to make more money. That’s just people’s opinions at the end of the day, and I’m fine with it.
“I don’t play with kids. He’s a kid to me. I don’t care about his social media posts. That means nothing to me. At the end of the day, I’m going to get my hand raised.
“Sometimes I fight better when there’s emotions involved. We have different game plans for different people, because not everyone fights the same. We have a game plan with Caleb and we’re going to execute.
“SugarHill Steward is a great trainer and he’s been with me since I was a teenager. We’re really familiar with each other and that will help us.
“Caleb hasn’t shown me anything special. Period. In any fight. He’s a good boxer, but it’s nothing special. He better be ready for Saturday, because I am.
“He’s been trying to get my attention all camp. But I don’t care about him. There’s nothing he can do to me.
“Only way he retires me is if he runs around the ring until I’m old. He can’t hit. What can he do? Who has he whooped?
“We’re going in there and giving it our all. My plan is to go in there and whoop his ass.”
# # #
ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS
Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
DEONTAY WILDER VS. ROBERT HELENIUS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
BROOKLYN – October 12, 2022 – Boxing superstar and former heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting contender Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius officially kicked off fight week events Wednesday as they showed off their skills during a media workout before they headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The event also featured former world champions and super middleweight rivals Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell, who meet in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Also on hand were unbeaten heavyweight Frank Sanchez and Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron, who battle in a 10-round attraction, plus unbeaten contender Gary Antonio Russell and former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez, who square off to open up the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Rounding out Wednesday’s lineup was exciting rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr., who will take on Limberth Ponce in a matchup that headlines PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn:
DEONTAY WILDER
“You can always expect nothing but the best from me. And I don’t get paid for overtime. I’ve been known for the knockouts and I’m going to end my career continuing to get those knockouts.
“Every fight makes you a better fighter. You always have to go back and change certain things. Me and Tyson Fury had three memorable fights, especially for the fans, and I’m looking to keep delivering that moving forward.
“There are a lot of things that I’ve been trying to perfect. What you see from me on Saturday night isn’t going to be anything new. We’ve just been adding to what we have. We’ve been going back to some fundamentals, working on our movement and combining all those things together.
“I feel good and that’s all that’s going to matter. The energy is going to be there in the arena. I’m looking forward to feeding off the crowd.
“It’s going to be fun. Robert is a great guy and we both have warrior’s heart. We’re both willing to go out on our shields. This is our first time getting in the ring when it really counts. It’s going to be electrifying to finally step in the ring with him in that scenario.
“I’m in the game to fight the best. That’s not going to stop. I want the champions and the top contenders. I want all challengers. You name them, I want them.
“I want my legacy to be that I was a great man, a motivator and someone who abided by his word. He gave everything he had in every fight. I want people to say that Deontay Wilder stood for something.
“All of my accomplishments have been set in stone with a statue in my hometown. Seeing all the people that came out to unite with me and my family, it meant a lot to me. It allowed me to understand that I’m very important to a lot of people all over the world.”
ROBERT HELENIUS
“I’m really happy to have this opportunity. I’ve been training in this sport for 25 years and I’ve had my ups and downs and now everything is connecting and I feel great.
“I don’t like to think that he’s lost anything since the three fights with Tyson Fury. He’s had a year since that last fight. Of course people can change after a long time, but I’m prepared to go 12 rounds with the best Deontay Wilder.
“I can’t give away too much, but we’ve seen what people do to disrupt Wilder. We have a plan and now we need to execute.
“When I was sparring with Deontay we were both preparing for our own fights, so I wasn’t really training for a guy like him. Of course I learned some tricks, but I’m not relying on that alone. It can only be an advantage though.
“He is powerful yes, but I don’t believe that I’m without power. The hardest punchers I’ve faced are Lamon Brewster and Samuel Peter, and I expect Wilder to be similar. The difference with Wilder is that he’s much faster.
“I didn’t feel my best against Gerald Washington and I shouldn’t have gone through with the fight. Because I knew that I wasn’t myself, it wasn’t hard for me to bounce back from that loss.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’m feeling good. The energy is great, weight is good and everything is on point. We had a great training camp. Everything has been smooth and couldn’t have been better.
“I always work hard, but Stephen Edwards definitely brings that hard work to the gym. When we get there, we know it’s no messing around. That’s how we like it. We stay at work until we’re finished. We’ve had seamless energy ever since we linked up. We had fun and we got a lot of work done.
“It’s going to be a show. It’s been a minute since I’ve been in the ring, but we never stopped working. We cleaned up some stuff from our last fight and kept what we had a lot of success with.
“Everyone knows what I bring to the ring. I bring creativity and excitement. I can fight a lot of different ways and everyone watching can expect to see me with my hand raised.
“I’m not thinking past this fight. I have to focus on the task in front of me. I’ll get to what’s next when the time is right. I just want to stay fully focused on Saturday, and winning that fight in spectacular fashion.
“Every fight is personal to me. That man standing across from me is standing in the way of me accomplishing my dreams.
“Dirrell has never had a successful title defense in all of his fights and he won’t have one in his entire career. Because after Saturday night, he’s retiring.”
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“I’ve proved myself many times. So I don’t need to prove myself to anybody. I showed what I needed to. I’ve come back from everything that I’ve ever had to come back from.
“You have to have different game plans for different fights. We’re going to stick to what we worked on and come out of the ring victorious.
“Everybody has their pros and cons. I’ll have to see what Caleb has when we get in there. This is going to be nothing new. A fight is a fight and every fight is different. You have to approach every fight differently than the last one.
“Caleb has fought two people. And everyone knows that and they know who those two people are. But you have to respect everyone who steps into that square and tries to fight.
“I’m not worried about the Canelo fight that he had. That’s the past now. We’re going to have to see what he brings. Styles make fights.
“Just know that I’m going to beat his ass on Saturday. I don’t respect him. It’s not that he’s not a hard worker, that’s irrelevant. We’re all fighters and we’re getting into that ring to entertain people. Outside of the ring, I don’t have to hang out with you.”
FRANK SANCHEZ
“He can say that he’s prepared for me and that Luis Ortiz has got him ready, but actually doing it is much more difficult. My style is to win and to knock him out.
“My prediction is that I’m going to win and move on and fight the top heavyweight in the division. I want to keep moving up the ladder.
“I feel that my technique and speed can beat any heavyweight out there. I’m just going to keep displaying my skills inside the ring.
“I’ve fought good fighters before. No matter what’s in front of me, I head into the ring with the mindset that I’m going to leave the ring with a victory.
“The main event is going to be a very good fight and I’d slightly favor Wilder. I would love to fight him next if we both win.”
CARLOS NEGRON
“I’m coming into this fight very confident. Five-straight wins will do that. Overall we’ve just had better training and we’re more prepared heading into this fight.
“This is a very important fight for me. We know that a win is going to do a lot for my confidence and my career. Moving into this fight I’m just very ready to get into the ring.
“If Frank is the next great heavyweight then so am I. Because I believe we have very similar attributes. Skill-wise, ability-wise and size-wise I feel like I should be right there as well.
“I’m a very proud Puerto Rican fighter and my dream to become world champion has pushed me in camp to run longer and train harder. I’m very confident and I have no excuses coming into this fight.
“I’ve been familiar with the Cuban-style of boxing in the amateurs and in the pros. I also train alongside Luis Ortiz and some other Cuban fighters, so I’ve worked against it a lot. I’m 100% ready for Frank Sanchez.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL
“I’m versatile. Our father named our gym The Enigma Gym for a reason. I’m going to be an enigma in the ring on Saturday night.
“I feel good and I feel strong. I’ve gotten all the rounds in that I needed for this fight and I’m well prepared.
“Sometimes it’s still hard to deal with the passing of our father Gary Sr. You see all the pictures of him up in the boxing gym. I’m just glad that he molded me and the rest of my brothers. He molded us into men. It’s a bittersweet thing, because I’m definitely still coming to perform. My dad is the mad scientist behind everything that I’m going to display on Saturday.
“My feelings about this fight are the same as they were the first time. If anything, I’m looking to go in there and hurt him. This is the hurt business. After the fight, I’ll wish well and take my hat off to him as a fighter. But the mission doesn’t change.
“If anything I’m motivated even more now since the passing of my father. He instilled so many great things into us, up until the very moment of his passing. He would want me to be in this position right now and he wouldn’t want me to take my foot off the gas.
“All of my brothers have stepped up. We’re a dynasty and we’re a unit. We work together, because iron sharpens iron.
“We don’t overlook anybody. I don’t make any stage bigger than what it appears to be. I treat every fight as if it’s a championship fight.”
EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ
“I’m really looking forward to Saturday night. We spent time training hard in the altitude and Mexico and we’re just eager to get back into the ring.
“In the first fight, we knew that we were going to win. Everyone knows what happened, but for this fight we’ve prepared much better. I’ve had great sparring that simulates Russell’s style, so with every single day that passes, I’m more and more confident that I’m going to win this fight.
“For me it’s an honor and privilege to have my first time fighting here in New York. I know this is home for a lot of Puerto Ricans and I know that I’m going to have a lot of people supporting me.
“We know that he’s got a good jab. It’s going to take about three rounds to adapt to the jab, then we’re going to take the strong hand away and there won’t be anything else he can do.
“Since my fight against Naoya Inoue I believe that I’m a much better fight.er I’ve faced better opposition and I’m a former world champion than Russell. I don’t take anything away from him, but I just believe that I’m the better fighter all around.
“We’re ready. All I can say, is that this fight won’t go the distance. You’ll have to tune in and catch the action on Saturday night.”
VITO MIELNICKI JR.
“This is another big opportunity for me. I’ve had a great training camp with ‘Chino’ Rivas and I’m ready to go. We’re coming to put on a show.
“I’ve had great sparring this training camp with a lot of top guys and I’m just getting better and better and learning more and more with each fight.
“I love fighting on these big cards and I’m excited to be headlining on FS1 for Deontay’s comeback fight. I’m going to keep improving and growing my name even more.
“This is my third fight with ‘Chino’ Rivas and we’ve had great sparring with Jeison Rosario, Keeshawn Williams and a lot of other quality guys. Whatever Limberth brings to the ring on Saturday night, we’ll be ready for it.
“I’m still young and I’m still growing, but I want to keep fighting better opposition. I know there’s a lot of big names that could become available and I’m looking forward to making those fights happen.”
Wilder – Helenius Live on PPV.com
This Saturday’s big Deontay Wilder – Robert Helenius card can be streamed live on PPV.com.
PPV.COM will be streaming the LIVE Deontay Wilder vs. Robert Helenius PPV event this Saturday, October 15, in the U.S. and Canada. PPV.COM is not a subscription service and is offering the event for $74.99, including the entire undercard which also features Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell. The show begins at 9 PM ET.
“THE BRONZE BOMBER” MEETS THE NEW YORK GIANTS
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – October 12, 2022 – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder visited the New York Giants facility on Wednesday, as he prepares to take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Wilder look to make his first step toward becoming a two-time heavyweight champion with an emphatic victory over the hard-hitting Helenius. Wilder’s first title reign saw him rack up an astounding 10 consecutive successful defenses and a staggering 91.1% knockout rate, combining to make him one of the biggest stars in the sport today.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
On Wilder’s tour of the Giants facility, he met with General Manager Joe Schoen, Head Coach Brian Daboll, star running back Saquon Barkley and other members of the team, as the 4-1 Giants look to continue their surprising early-season success against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.
Here is what Wilder had to say on Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m here in New York and it’s only right that I stop by this great facility and visit the New York Giants. A lot of people doubted them this season and they’re 4-1. It’s a big blessing. We’ve got one of my guys here, Xavier [McKinney] representing Alabama, so we know him very well. And Coach Daboll too so there are a lot of Alabama ties here.
“Saquon is a great player. A great guy with great spirit when you get to know him. I have a battle on Saturday and they have one on Sunday. I came here to check out the facility, see what their regimen is, how their practice goes and it’s been a great time.
“Growing up, I played football, basketball, baseball and if I had time for soccer, I would have played that as well. But once I got into boxing, it just took over my life. It’s a year-round business so you can’t take it easy. But I used to play everything from wide receiver to quarterback. That was one of my big things. I was always tall as a quarterback so I could see over everyone. At wide receiver, I’d run a hitch route and they would just throw it up in the air. Today made me reminisce a little bit.
“I plan to come in at my happy weight. Meaning, whatever I weigh, I’ll be happy. I came up here looking for sparring partners, looked at the players and told Coach Daboll, ‘Coach what are you feeding these guys? They’re so huge.’ These guys are so huge, I’d have to be the quarterback where it’s safer. I don’t want to get fed to these guys, they’ll eat me up alive.
“I’m not sure how long my fight against Robert Helenius will be. This second reign is going to be about having fun. I don’t have anything to prove, I’ve gained so much success, and everything I have done inside the ring has been set in stone with my statue in my hometown of Tuscaloosa. So, at this point in time, whatever comes my way is a blessing. But you already know I don’t get paid for overtime so we’re going for the knockout.”
**PHOTO CAPTION
Former heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder visited NY Giants training camp today, meeting coach Brian Daboll, several of the Giants players and exchanging a glove for a jersey with Giants running back Saquon Barkley. Wilder fights Robert Helenius this Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on FOX Sports PBC PPV.
**GROUP SHOT IDENTIFICATION
Standing (L-R): Adoree’ Jackson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Deontay Wilder, Saquon Barkley, Xavier McKinney, Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence
Sitting (L-R): Darnay Holmes, Nick McCloud
# # #
ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS
Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
LIVE VIDEO: Wilder vs Helenius FINAL MEDIA WORKOUT | #WilderHelenius
PBC PRELIMS TO AIR THREE-FIGHT TELECAST LIVE ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 BEGINNING AT 7 P.M. ET/4 P.M. PT
BROOKLYN – October 12, 2022 – The stacked three-fight PBC Prelims telecast headlined byexciting rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. facing Limberth Ponce in an 8/10-round super welterweight showdown will air live on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will also feature unbeaten top lightweight contender Michel Rivera battling California’s Jerry Pérez in an eight-round matchup, and undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan in an eight-round showdown against Bronx-native Michael Coffie that kicks off the telecast.
Prelims will precede a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by the return of boxing superstar and former longtime heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder as he takes on hard-hitting Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (12-1, 8 KOs) returns to fight at Barclays Center for the second-straight fight after stopping Jimmy Williams in six-rounds in July. The 20-year-old will look to add a third victory to his 2022 record, after kicking the year off with a unanimous decision over Dan Karpency in April. Mielnicki first turned heads during his exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro.
Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, Ponce (19-5, 11 KOs) fights out of Rock Island, Illinois throughout his pro career that dates back to 2012. The 31-year-old won eight of nine fights before dropping a December 2021 bout against unbeaten Joey Spencer. Most recently, Ponce scored a unanimous decision over Ramiro Hernandez in May.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (23-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021 including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently Rivera dominated the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.
Trained alongside four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and his family, Pérez (14-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from an April 2021 defeat against top lightweight contender Frank Martin by knocking out Erick Lanzas Jr. in May. The 29-year-old from Oak Hills, California had put together a three-fight knockout streak heading into the Martin fight, which included a 2020 KO of then once-beaten Joshua Zuniga.
The 24-year-old Hovhannisyan (3-0, 3 KOs) has delivered three consecutive knockouts since turning pro in September 2021. Originally from Yerevan, Armenia, he now fights out of Los Angeles as he looks to bolster his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Hovhannisyan blasted out Jesse Bryan on his way to a second round knockout in May.
Coffie (13-2, 10 KOs) hopes to continue his climb back to contention after back-to-back defeats to Jonny Rice in July 2021 and January of this year. A Marine Corps veteran who picked up boxing after returning from overseas, Coffie quickly impressed in amateur tournaments enough to earn sparring assignments with Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki. He was born in the Bronx, but now trains in Orlando, Florida and most recently knocked out Fulgencio Zuniga in July.
# # #
ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS
Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
DEONTAY WILDER VS. ROBERT HELENIUS VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
BROOKLYN – October 4, 2022 – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius previewed their WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
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 on October 15, as he returns to headline at Barclays Center for the fifth time, an arena where he has delivered some of his most devastating knockouts. He will face a stiff challenge from the veteran Helenius, who comes in off a pair of knockout victories over Brooklyn fan-favorite Adam Kownacki, including a triumph at Barclays Center in their first fight in March 2020.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“This is an exciting time. It’s special for the heavyweight division. 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.
“Changing the way we train has definitely opened up my mind leading into this fight. 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.
“Barclays Center holds something special in my heart. It’s a second home to me. My most electrifying knockouts and exciting memories have been there. It feels good to be able to go back and add more memories.
“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.
“I’ve never faced Helenius when it counts, so who knows what he’s going to bring. Everyone knows that fighters train harder than ever before when they face me. Hopefully we’ll be able to bring that excitement on October 15.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m soaking in my happiness and peace. This reign is about being happy. I don’t have anything to prove to anyone. I’ve done an amazing job in my career, so now I want to do the things that make me happy. Whatever we gain, that’s a plus.
“Seeing the statue made for me in Alabama is what brought me back. My accomplishments are set in stone. But being there and seeing the people supporting me made me feel like there’s more that I can do. I’m still young. I’ve got three more years left in this business. There’s still a lot more left for me to do.
“Me and (head trainer) Malik Scott clicked instantly when we met helping Tomasz Adamek prepare for a fight years ago. To be able to make him one of my head coaches was a no-brainer. It means so much to have people who you trust and who you know has your back. What’s understood doesn’t need to be explained.
“I can only speak on what I’ve been doing in training and in sparring. I would say I look amazing. I haven’t lost any steps. If anything I’ve improved, gone back to the fundamentals and added new aspects to my skillset. It’s really about applying some things that I used to not work on as much.
“My weight is not going to be what we worry about in this fight or fights in the future. We gained a lot of weight the last fight, but it was more about the expectations of seeing my body a certain way. Now I’m going back to what I’m used to and what’s comfortable for me.”
ROBERT HELENIUS
“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.
“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.
“It took me a while to get back to normal training after the operation on my shoulder. I still have several more good years to give, so why not give it all?
“There’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for my fans back home, so I know that I have to bring it on October 15.
“I’ve had a long career and I know how I feel before fights. I feel more comfortable and more confident heading into this fight than I’ve felt in a long time. Beating Kownacki was key to me and I know that without those victories, I would not be here.
“Deontay and I know each other very well. When we sparred he was preparing for a tall guy like me, while I was training for a very different kind of fighter. But some things do still get stuck with you during training. However the fight is much different than sparring.
“It’s tough to say if I felt Deontay’s power in sparring because of the headgear and bigger gloves. I think it’s more about his speed. Some people punch with a lot of force, but I think his best attribute is the explosiveness.
“I like being the underdog. It wakes me up a little bit. I know that I have to concentrate fully and be the best version of myself. Of course there’s still some pressure, but that’s what comes with being in such an important fight.
“We’ve been training for this fight for a very long time, so we’ve made some tactical changes over that time. I obviously can’t reveal it but we’re going to be ready for Deontay.
“Deontay is fast and unpredictable with his right hand. That’s his best skill. He disguises that right hand and when it’s coming.”
# # #
ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS
Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Wilder-Helenius: Another example of what’s wrong with pay-per-view
By Norm Frauenheim-
It’s hard to know what to make of reported pay-per-view numbers, especially during a streaming era when numbers are misrepresented or not reported at all and the theft rate might rival the buy rate.
But they continue to accumulate, fight-after-fight, like CompuBox’s punch stats, round-after-round, in a one-sided bout. They add up to a trend. And it isn’t pretty.
The business is losing, mostly because it doesn’t get it anymore. Latest example: Deontay Wilder-Robert Helenius. It’s a pay-per-view fight.
Wilder created some controversy about 10 days ago when he told Boxing Scene he already belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Go ahead, argue about that one. But he doesn’t belong on pay-per-view. Not now, not on October 15 in his first bout since he was left on the canvas, a broken man, by Tyson Fury after 10-plus rounds of a violent beatdown nearly a year ago.
For most of the last year, there were doubts about a Wilder comeback, both in the public mind and his own. Even the winner talked about retirement. Then again, Fury talks a lot. There’s not much he doesn’t say. We’ve lost count how many times he’s been in and out retirement. He’s retired at lunch. He’s coming back at dinner.
But he did say he suffered a concussion against Wilder during their dramatic third date in Las Vegas last October. That’s believable. Nobody emerged from that heavyweight rematch unscathed. It’s a mark of just how violent it was. It’s also reason to proceed with caution.
In effect, Wilder, a former champion, is starting over. He says he decided to attempt a comeback after a statue of him was placed in front of a Tourism and Sports building in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, his hometown. Move over, Nick Saban.
The statue is a symbol of who Wilder was. But it says nothing about who he is, post-Fury.
Tough fights come with a price, but not one that fans should have to pay in a first bout, a test run on whether a comeback is even viable. If it is – if Wilder doesn’t display symptoms of lingering damage against Helenius at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, then, yeah, it’s time to move back onto a pay-per-view stage and a comeback that would provide a further chance to prove the Hall-of-Fame claim.
But now, against Helenius, Wilder’s former sparring partner? Pay-per-view for a virtual sparring session? No way. PPV is a tag that says you’re proven, a commodity worth watching. The burden of proof is, first and foremost, what Wilder has to deliver against Helenius, a 38-year-old Finn and at best a mid-level challenger.
It should be an investment on what Wilder hopes will unfold in his comeback. Instead, he’s going straight to the pay window. In part, Wilder is selling his name recognition, which is lot more durable than chins, noses and brain cells in today’s version of the boxing biz.
He’s also doing what other fighters are. FOX is charging $74.99, which is the same price it charged for heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr.’s unanimous decision over Luis Ortiz on Sept. 5.
It’s not clear how Ruiz-Ortiz did on PPV. It’s not, probably because it wasn’t big. Boxcar numbers get reported. Small ones don’t, but increasingly they are part of the business plan. PPV is the persistent devil in the details of a bet on immediacy instead of the future. Fighters agree to a share of PPV receipts in an attempt to get the money they want.
But it’s a gamble, a risk to them. Remember the scheduled PPV fight between lightweights Tevin Farmer and Mickey Bey in Prescott Valley, AZ last August 12? It got canceled hours before opening bell because the money wasn’t there. That’s where this business model is headed.
Above all, it puts the business at risk of losing more customers in an already eroding fan base.
More and more, a PPV tag is seen as a warning: Buyer Beware. Even Canelo Alvarez’ decision over Gennadiy Golovkin in a third fight on Sept. 17 left doubts about PPV. Arguably, Canelo-GGG 3 was the most PPV-worthy fight in 2022.
But reports indicated it failed to meet expectations for a long-awaited bout. DAZN’s PPV price for non-subscribers was $84.98, nearly a buck more than the Wilder-Helenius price tag.
It wasn’t long ago that the boxing biz declared that PPV is dead. Yet, it persists, a working definition of what Albert Einstein meant when he said insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting it to be different.
VIDEO: Deontay Wilder MEDIA WORKOUT | #WilderHelenius
DEONTAY WILDER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
LAS VEGAS – September 22, 2022 – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder previewed his long-awaited return to the ring during a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday, as he prepares to take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Wilder look to make his first step toward becoming a two-time heavyweight champion with an emphatic victory over the hard-hitting Helenius. Wilder’s first title reign saw him rack up an astounding 10 consecutive successful defenses and a staggering 91.1% knockout rate, combining to make him one of the biggest stars in the sport today.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what Wilder and his trainer Malik Scott had to say Thursday from Las Vegas:
DEONTAY WILDER
On what he expects from Helenius…
“I always want a good matchup. Robert (Helenius) has been on a winning streak and he’s here. I’ve been hearing he’s supposed to be the mandatory for (Oleksandr) Usyk and however that’s laid out, but I know he’s coming with his A+++ game. They always do when they fight me.
“With Robert, I think he’s gotten even more confident because he’s been sparring with me for many, many years. So we kind of know each other. At this point in camp, we’re trying to do some things that he’s never seen before. And I’m sure he’s trying to do some things that I’ve never seen before. And the one thing I like about Robert is that he has a warrior’s heart, just like me.”
On training nonstop for long lengths of time…
“We’ve been doing 30 or 40 rounds nonstop. Only time I get water is during the break. I’ve just been doing things like that to challenge myself, doing things that have never been done before, or that you don’t really do in boxing. I wanted to see how my body adjusts to the long length of time without a break. When you can go a long time without taking a break, you’re in shape.”
On what’s special about fighting at Barclays Center…
“It’s not only just the beautiful arena that they have there, but they pack so many electrifying fans in there… I think Barclays Center has some of the best fans around. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve had an open-armed welcome, and I’m going to receive the same, or even greater, this time around. And I’m all smiles. I’ve been ready to come back to Barclays Center for some time now, and I get that opportunity… I’m coming back Brooklyn!”
On Usyk potentially being ringside on October 15 and a possible showdown against him in the near future…
“It’s music to my ears. I hold Usyk to be a very honorable person and a man of his word. So I’m looking forward to that. I’m not looking past Robert by any means. It’s good to know that Usyk will be in the arena. Welcome to a great show. And to all the fans, welcome to a great show for whoever is watching and attending, but I’m not looking past Robert.
“For Usyk to be able to bless me with a title shot when I’ve blessed so many during my reign, it’s a great feeling. So we’re going to get past October 15, and then after that we can see what happens. I’ve got a lot of things lined up, a lot of options in the works for me… But when it’s dealing with a title shot you’ve got to jump on it when the opportunity presents itself.”
On a renewed energy and doing things ‘his way’ in the second half of his career…
“It feels good. Even in my first reign, a lot of it was my way. But this right here is totally 100% Deontay Wilder’s way. I’m in a different position right now. And it just feels great to be in the position I’m in with no pressure. I don’t need the business anymore. When I do it, I do it for my own personal reasons. I’m doing it for the people and I’m doing it for some hardware, some titles.”
MALIK SCOTT, Wilder’s Trainer
On how training camp has been going overall…
“We’ve put in over 500 rounds on the pads and 500 rounds just with intent shadow boxing. What I’m impressed with the most by Deontay, whatever it takes to make himself a complete fighter, he’s willing to try. He’s willing to put a gallant effort into that, and that’s what we’ve been doing.
“There are so many different dimensions to this guy’s game. I just want the world to see it because I’ve been seeing it for the past few years. And what I mean by that is he’s not just a one-punch knockout artist. He can do so many different things in the ring and then set them up for the one-punch knockout. He’s a good body puncher. He has a great left hook. It’s just about him having tons of discipline, sticking to a gameplan, having humility and doing these things with importance.”
On a reenergized Deontay Wilder and what motivates him now…
“Deontay is fighting for himself, as well as for the inspiration that he gives so many people. Deontay is the real people’s champ. It’s not about money. It’s not about materialistic things. It’s about him being extremely motivated and inspired by so many people that he’s touched across the world and across the nation that he’s willing to do it again. And honestly, he hasn’t taken his foot off the gas in training.”
On Wilder and Helenius having been sparring partners in the past…
“Yes, Deontay has sparred Helenius. I was there, and I saw how well Deontay did with him, but Helenius is not a good spar. He doesn’t spar very well. Anybody could have an Okay day with him. He’s very technically sound and he knows how to protect himself, but he’s not a good spar. He’s a good fighter when the lights are on, when it’s time to throw a monkey wrench into the apple cart and to upset people, this is when he comes alive. And this makes him more dangerous in this fight because if anyone is going to train as hard as they ever trained and be more alert than they’ve ever been is when they’re fighting Deontay Wilder. He brings the best out of his opponents.
On a possible Wilder vs. Usyk showdown in the future…
“Coming from a coaching standpoint, it works perfect for me because Deontay Wilder is big time boxing. Robert Helenius, in my opinion, this is a big, dangerous fight. Deontay is going to pass this test with flying colors. After that, my opinion of his next opponent is that it should be Oleksandr Usyk or Anthony Joshua possibly… These are the kind of fights he gets up for.
“I truly believe that Deontay Wilder is the only heavyweight in the world that can beat Oleksandr Usyk, and I have so many reasons to back that up.”
# # #
ABOUT WILDER VS. HELENIUS
Wilder vs. Helenius will see former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
TWO SENSATIONAL SHOWDOWNS ADDED TO STACKED WILDER VS. HELENIUS FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW LINEUP!
BROOKLYN – September 13, 2022 – Two exciting high-stakes showdowns have been added to the jam-packed four-fight FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by the return of former WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder as he takes top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius on Saturday, October 15 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The telecast will feature undefeated Cuban sensation Frank Sanchez battling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round heavyweight duel, while top bantamweight contenders Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez meet in a 12-round rematch opening the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (20-0, 13 KOs) now trains in California with renowned trainer Joe Goossen. The 30-year-old has remained busy on his rise up the heavyweight rankings, scoring three victories in 2020 as he earned a unanimous decision over Joey Dawejko and stopped Brian Howard and Julian Fernandez. Sanchez caught boxing fan’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Sanchez kicked off the New Year with a 10-round decision triumph against Christian Hammer in his last fight.
“Carlos Negron is a dangerous opponent, but I will be ready for whatever he brings. I intend to look for a knockout against Negron to demonstrate to boxing fans that I am both a boxer and a puncher,’’ said Sanchez. “I feel I am the best heavyweight in the world and October 15 will bring me one step closer to the very important goal of becoming mandatory contender for a world title opportunity in 2023.’’
The 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Negron (25-3, 20 KOs) was scheduled to meet Sanchez on January 1 but had to withdraw from the fight after testing positive for COVID-19. Negron rides a five-fight winning streak into the match against Sanchez, including four wins by stoppage. The 34-year-old bounced back from defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Brian Howard to put together his win streak, which includes a March 2020 knockout over previously unbeaten Robert Alfonso. He scored an eight round unanimous decision over Scott Alexander in his last fight in May 2021. Negron has fought professionally since 2009 and now lives in Miami where he trains alongside Luis Ortiz.
“I know Frank, and I’ve never been a fighter to call any other fighters out or speak of any other boxer, so I don’t know why he asked to fight me,” said Negron. “When my coach told me he wanted to fight me, I didn’t take it personally. I took it like a challenge. It gave me incredible motivation, and now I want to fight him. Let’s see what I can do against good competition. I have always done my best against better opponents. So come October 15, let’s see who’s the better man.”
The 29-year-old Russell (19-0, 12 KOs) originally met the former champion Rodriguez in August 2021, but an accidental clash of heads ended the fight as a no-contest before the first round was completed. The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Russell returned to the ring after the Rodriguez bout to earn a decision victory over Alexis Santiago in November 2021. Fighting out of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Russell also owns a decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020.
“I’m glad that Emmanuel and I will get our chance to have a redo on October 15,” said Russell. “Nothing has changed as far as my objective. I’m coming into the ring at Barclays Center to do whatever I have to do in order to finish this fight victorious.”
Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez (20-2, 13 KOs) has also added a victory since his first clash with Russell, knocking out Roberto Sanchez Cantu in March. The 30-year-old won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez went on to lose the title to unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.
“I’ve been training in Mexico for a long time and away from my family so that I can focus on this fight that will define my future,” said Rodriguez. “Russell is a good fighter who has been avoided throughout his career, but I’ve come to show that I’m on another level. I will win hands down and be back on top of the bantamweight division. On October 15, he’s going to realize that he’s not on my level.”
AUDIO: Noted boxing broadcaster Ray Flores talks heavyweight action as he breaks down Wilder – Helenius and Ruiz Jr. vs Ortiz
VIDEO: Boxing Broadcaster Ray Flores talks Wilder – Helenius and Ruiz Jr. – Ortiz
AUDIO: Wilder vs Helenius Press Conference
VIDEO: Wilder vs Helenius Press Conference
DEONTAY WILDER VS. ROBERT HELENIUS & CALEB PLANT VS. ANTHONY DIRRELL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
BROOKLYN – August 30, 2022 – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius previewed their upcoming WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator during a press conference, appearing via satellite, before they meet on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The press conference also featured former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell meeting face to face as the 168-pound rivals prepare for a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center:
DEONTAY WILDER
“We’ve put in over 400 rounds so far and training camp has been great. I’m trying to do something different with adding Don House to the team working in Las Vegas. We wanted to change up some things, go more rounds and see what happened.
“This training sounds like it could be a lot on your body, but when you’re in shape physically and mentally, nothing is impossible.
“I’ve had a great career and now I’m back again for my second reign. It’s amazing to reminisce about all the years and about how I got to where I am now. It’s been an honor. We had a gameplan and we executed that game plan.
“I’m looking forward to October 15 and sharing the ring with Robert. I highly respect Robert and his team. We’ve always had a connection, but unfortunately in this business, you have to go against each other sometimes. But make no mistake, just because we know each other, it doesn’t mean this fight won’t be interesting.
“Every time I fight, you’re on the edge of your seat, because I’m going in there 110%. I’m looking forward to this fight and coming back to Barclays Center, where some of my most exciting knockouts have occurred. I have remarkable memories there and I can’t wait to display my talent.
“I know what Helenius is capable of doing and I know what kind of heart he has. He’s coming to bring his best and I always bring mine. This is a serious fight between two warriors in the heavyweight division. We’re coming to put it all on the line.
“Getting a statue in my hometown let me know that there was more work to do. I have to continue to fight and motivate and inspire. This reign is going to be a special one, because it’s going to be dedicated to the people.
“Over these years everyone has seen what I’m capable of doing and what my mindset is when I step in there. Everyone knows what I’m coming with on the 15th and what we’re going to give. Whether it’s for our family, our country or our fans, there’s one night and one fight, it’s going to be fireworks.”
ROBERT HELENIUS
“I’m feeling really good and training camp is going great. I’ve fought a lot of good opponents and had a long career so far. This is of course a big fight for me. I have respect for Deontay, but when I come to America, I’m going to give everything that I have.
“I’m ready to do everything in my power to win. I only took two weeks off after my last fight and I’ve been training since then. I know what it takes to win at this level.
“I’ve promised my fans in Finland that I would bring the world title back home and sometimes you have to go through a lot to get there. But I’m going to do everything I can. We’re doing all the extra work that we need to.
“This is a huge deal. All I’ve ever wanted is to get the chance at the world heavyweight title. That’s why I’ve continued to fight. If I didn’t see myself becoming a world champion, I would have stopped and found a much easier job to do.
“I’m thankful to Deontay for his nice words, but on October 15 I’m going to bring the Viking spirit into the ring.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’m feeling good and I’m thankful to my team. It feels good to be back and I’m excited for my first time fighting in New York. I’m looking to be impressive on October 15.
“Dirrell has a lot to say about me and says that I hate him, and that’s a strong word, but it’s true. I guess it irks him and it irks me. I don’t hold hands with guys in my division. He doesn’t even know me though. October 15 there are definitely going to be fireworks.
“When I beat him, it will be because I’m better than him. But he already knows that and that’s why he hates me.
“You saw what Uzcategui did to his brother and what I did to him. I always knew he was a possibility. He couldn’t even hold onto his title long enough for us to unify and now he’s big mad.
“I try to approach every fight the same and treat every fight the same. I’m all in. I’m focused and motivated. I have a great team and we’re putting together a great plan. I just can’t wait until October 15.
“I’m looking to put on a great performance and get my hand raised. I’m here to make a big statement. I want to clear out the rest of the division.
“I’m in a blessed position to be in a title eliminator, but it doesn’t add to how focused and disciplined I am. It doesn’t matter if it was a four round fight. I’m training hard and I’ve got a lot of momentum.
“I’ve been doing my job and staying focused. I always keep boxing first in my life whether I have a fight coming up or not. I still feel like I’m hunting. There are a lot of things that I want to accomplish in this sport, but first things first and that’s handling business on October 15.”
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“I’m ready to fight and beat some ass. He’s running. He’s been running from me. Can you name somebody that likes him? Nobody likes him. Canelo Alvarez smacked you, remember that. I wouldn’t ever let another man smack me.
“He fought tomato cans and cab drivers. I give him respect for Jose Uzcategui. But he was supposed to fight me before Canelo and he backed out of it.
“I’ve fought the best, who’s he fought? He’s fought nobody. He knows it. Forget my experience, I’m beating him down.
“This is just another fight. I’m preparing like it’s any other fight. When it comes down to it on October 15, he’ll see.
“I’m just looking to be me and put on a great performance. Everyone knows I’m the dog and that’s what I’m going to show once again.
“I always do what needs to be done outside of the ring. I’ve kept my body where it needs to be. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.”
FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER BATTLES HARD-HITTING ROBERT HELENIUS IN EXPLOSIVE SHOWDOWN ON FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW SATURDAY, OCT. 15 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN – (Aug. 17, 2022) – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will take on top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in an explosive 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator between ferocious punchers in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, Oct. 15 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
In the co-feature, former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant faces two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell in a highly anticipated 12-round WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator between 168-pound rivals. Two additional pay-per-view undercard bouts will be announced to round out the action-packed four-fight lineup presented by PBC.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Friday at noon ET.
Pre-sale tickets are available TOMORROW, Thursday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. ET until 10 p.m. ET through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.comwith the code: BOXING
“Deontay Wilder has established himself as must-see, live or on TV, because of his incredible knockout prowess. To have him make his return to boxing against another power puncher in Robert Helenius at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, adds another element of excitement to an outstanding card,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Caleb Plant vs. Anthony Dirrell is an old-fashioned slugfest that is sure to deliver drama with two highly-skilled fighters squaring off. With two more sensational matchups to be added to the PPV, fans that tune into FOX Sports PBC PPV or attend live at Barclays Center will be treated to an incredible night of boxing.’’
One of the greatest knockout artists in boxing history, Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) is on a mission to become a two-time world heavyweight champion following a first reign that included 10 title defenses, a feat accomplished by only seven heavyweights in boxing history. The “Bronze Bomber” now returns to Barclays Center, a venue where he has fought four times and thrilled the crowd with some of his most spectacular knockouts. The 36-year-old slugger from Tuscaloosa, Alabama earned his moniker by winning bronze at the2008 Olympics. He rejuvenated the heavyweight division when he captured the WBC belt in January 2015, becoming one of boxing’s biggest stars with an all-time heavyweight best 91.1% knockout percentage and a captivating personality to match. Coming off an epic trilogy with Tyson Fury, Wilder remains must-see television and one of the greatest fighters of this era.
“It’s been a long journey for me and as of today it continues. I thought so many times about whether I should stay out of the business or come back,’’ said Wilder. “Once I got my statue in my hometown and saw so many people arrive and celebrate with me and my family, to see all the emotions, grown men crying in front of their children and saying he is a real true king, made me feel like my job is not done. 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!”
Helenius (30-3, 19 KOs) stamped himself as one of the world’s best heavyweights with consecutive stoppage wins over the previously unbeaten Adam Kownacki, including an October 2021 sixth-round TKO win over Kownacki in Helenius’ last outing. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius established himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights prior to making his U.S. debut in 2019. The 38-year-old “Nordic Nightmare” has won six of his last seven bouts.
“It’s great to be back at Barclays Center in an even bigger fight than my last one. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I’m going to be ready,’’ said Helenius. “I’m going to produce an even bigger upset than I did with Kownacki. I’m going for the belt, so this is a fight to prepare me to achieve that goal. I can only become the best heavyweight in the world by beating the best and that’s what I intend to do on October 15.’’
The 30-year-old Plant (21-1, 12 KOs) used his sublime boxing skills to rise through the ranks of the super middleweight division. In his first world championship fight, the Ashland City, Tennessee-native Plant, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, took the fight to veteran Jose Uzcategui and won the title in a hard-fought unanimous decision in 2019. Plant dropped the first match of his career in his last fight, losing to Canelo Alvarez in an undisputed super middleweight championship fight on November 6. He will look to rebound and get back on the world title track in a grudge match against his rival, Dirrell.
“I’m looking forward to fighting at Barclays Center for the first time,” said Plant. “I know the fight fans in Brooklyn are going to come out for this card. I’m feeling good and I’ve been in the gym working hard since my last fight. I’m going to put on an excellent performance and retire this guy.”
Dirrell (34-2, 25 KOs) is a two-time super middleweight world champion who won one of the toughest battles of his life when he beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2008. The 37-year-old from Flint, Michigan won his first world title with a unanimous decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. He lost the title the next year via majority decision to Badou Jack. He would have to wait four years for another opportunity but successfully regained it with a technical split-decision over Avni Yildirim. He lost the title again, this time on a ninth-round TKO to David Benavidez in 2019. Dirrell is coming off of a fourth-round KO victory over Marcos Hernandez in his most recent match on November 6.
“I’m real excited to be back in the ring on October 15,” said Dirrell. “I’m especially excited to be fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This is a special place for me. I fought Sakio Bika for a world title at this same venue, so I’m happy to be back. This fight means even more to me because it’s one day after my birthday, which is October 14. So I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great show, getting the big victory on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and then celebrating it all after.”
