DEONTAY WILDER has weighed in almost two stone lighter for tomorrow’s fight with Robert Helenius than a year ago against Tyson Fury.
The Bronze Bomber, 36, steps back into the ring for the first time since his trilogy bout with the Gypsy King.
That night, he weighed in at a career-high 17st – or 238lb – as he unsuccessfully tried to wrestle back the WBC world heavyweight title.
But Wilder, who takes on Helenius in New York, makes his comeback as a slimmed-down fighter.
The Alabama boxer tipped the scales today at 15st4lb 8oz – 214.5lb – a far more natural weight for the heavy-hitter.
As usual for Wilder, he will be significantly lighter than his opponent with Helenius carrying 18st 1lb.
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Speaking during his training camp, the 42-2-1 man said: “We gained a lot of weight the last fight. I felt a little sluggish, a little heavy
“And, you know, I was interested in seeing my body frame in a certain weight as well.
“But at this moment in time, I go back to what I’m used to and what’s comfortable to me and what’s comfortable with my body frame.
“And that’s gonna be around maybe 220lbs or maybe under.”
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Should Wilder win his first fight since November 2019, he would be back in contention among the top heavyweights in the world.
And he is already eyeing up a blockbuster bout with Ukrainian hero Oleksandr Usyk – pipping rival Fury to the unification showdown.
Usyk is understood to have made clear he is open to a fight with Wilder.
Wilder, who also wants to box Anthony Joshua, said: “I asked my guys if Usyk is a man of his word and they confirmed that he is.
“So I am going to hold him to his word and we will see. Hopefully, he is a man of his word.
“In this division, you’re only one win from a title shot.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
