Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER is set to make a massive change for his comeback fight against Robert Helenius. The American returns to the ring after a year out tonight against former sparring partner Helenius.
Deontay Wilder and Robert Helenius ahead of their fightCredit: Getty
It will be his first bout since losing to Tyson Fury in their epic trilogy last October.
But when Wilder steps back between the ropes in New York, he is set to do so in a pair of Grant boxing gloves – known as a puncher’s glove.
The ex-WBC heavyweight champion has long been sponsored by Everlast, wearing both their boots and gloves.
But American brand Grant claimed Wilder will wear their gloves for the first time in his career.

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And fans online claimed the Bronze Bomber will only be more powerful in his new set of tools.
One said: “Helenius will be real lucky to make it Past 6 tomorrow really past 4 considering Wilder is using Grant Gloves.”
Another added: “Oh my god he’s gonna kill him now.”
One commented: “About time.”
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Wilder has dropped down to 214lb for his return, having weighed 238lb the night before he was knocked out by Fury in their trilogy classic.
He had warned he would cut down in weight for his comeback bout against Helenius, 38, having felt too heavy last year.
He said during his training camp: “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.”
Deontay Wilder usually wears Everlast boxing glovesCredit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions More

TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk WILL “without a doubt” fight next year in a historic undisputed title decider. Never in the heavyweight division have all four world titles been contested for.
Tyson Fury is lined up with a fight against Oleksandr Usyk next yearCredit: Reuters
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are set for an undisputed title boutCredit: Getty
But that is set to change in 2023 as Top Rank president Todd DuBoef voiced confidence in Fury, 34, and Usyk, 35, fighting for the marbles.
He told Sky Sports: “I think that’s without a doubt. That’s everybody’s objective.
“I think both fighters want it, the fans want it and it’s the crowning moment for the heavyweight champion.”
Fury wanted to fight Usyk next after the Ukrainian beat Anthony Joshua, 32, on points for the second time.
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But the boxing hero ruled himself out until next year having returned to his war-torn home for the first time after a period training away.
So Fury made the shock decision to call out AJ and talks for the pair to fight in Cardiff on December 3 followed.
However, a deal could not be agreed and Derek Chisora, 38, is now the unlikely alternative to challenge for the WBC title.
That is despite twice losing to Fury in one-sided fashion, in 2011 and 2014, although DuBoef said no opponent has officially been agreed.
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He said: “There’s nothing to report. As I’ve said over and over again, we wish it was AJ.
“All I can tell you is he’s set on fighting before the end of the year. That’s been the direction we’ve gotten from him.
“I’ll check in on his social media and see what he posts next!”
Anthony Joshua is coming off two losses to Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty More

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.
Deontay Wilder has shredded the extra weight for his boxing returnCredit: Getty
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.”

🥊Wilder vs Helenius: Ring walk time, TV channel, live stream and undercard info for huge return
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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.”
Robert Helenius came in almost three stone heavier than his opponentCredit: Getty
He wore another of his famous masks paired with matching gogglesCredit: AFP More