Heavyweight boxing

DEONTAY WILDER announced his return to the heavyweight division in trademark fashion with a first-round knockout over Robert Helenius. The American, fighting for the first time since being KO’d by Tyson Fury 12 months ago, selected rugged Finn Helenius as his comeback opponent.
Deontay Wilder brutally knocked out Robert HeleniusCredit: Getty
The American announced his return in styleCredit: Getty
Robert Helenius out for the count in round oneCredit: AFP

But it took just under three minutes for Wilder to land his famous right and close the show without any warning.
Helenius, 38, had the ex-WBC champion backed up in the corner which ultimately sealed his fate as a counter shot left him laid out.

Wilder said: “It’s just amazing to be back in Brooklyn. It’s like a second home to me. This is arena is like a second home to me.
“It just feels so good to be back. When I came off the plane and set foot off the ground I just felt a great energy, I felt the love and support and that’s all I needed.
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“So when I stepped foot in the arena I felt the same thing and I knew it was going to be a great night and it was for me.”
Wilder, 36, was left considering his career following consecutive stoppage losses to Fury, 34, in their trilogy series.
But a statue built in his native Alabama convinced the Bronze Bomber back for one final chapter in his illustrious career.
He is now lined up for a final eliminator against Andy Ruiz Jr, 33, with the winner becoming mandatory for Fury’s title.
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But unified champ Oleksandr Usyk, 35, had called to fight Wilder after Anthony Joshua, 32, and Fury began negotiating for a shock December bout.
Usyk even warned that he could gatecrash Wilder’s big return – although the Ukrainian never showed.
And Wilder fears if the former cruiserweight king had taken a ringside seat, it just might have scared him off a future fight.
He said: “Who’s next? I’ve been hearing rumours about Usyk and he isn’t even in the building, or is he?
“You know most the time when guys say they want me and come to a show of mine and see a devastating knockout that they turn the corner on me, I’ve had many.
“I’m down for whatever, whether it’s Andy Ruiz, or Usyk or whoever. Lets bring it on.
“Deontay Wilder is back. The excitement in the heavyweight division is back. There’s no heavyweight division without Deontay Wilder.”
Deontay Wilder celebrates his comeback victoryCredit: Getty More

BOXING fans have been warned Tyson Fury will NEVER fight Anthony Joshua… and his return against Derek Chisora is “poor for the sport”.Fury and AJ were engaged in shock talks over a December 3 Battle of Britain at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Tyson Fury failed to negotiate a fight with Anthony JoshuaCredit: Getty
Fans have been warned Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury may never fightCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
But alas, the negotiations were short lived and opposing promoters soon went back to pointing the finger.
The all-too familiar story leaves boxer-turned-trainer Dave Coldwell fearing the nation’s two biggest stars may never settle the score in the ring.
Coldwell said in the Daily Mail: “Unfortunately, we’re now left with what appears to be a Ricky Hatton vs Junior Witter situation, though obviously on a much bigger scale. 
“At the time in Britain we all wanted to see that, but it never happened. 
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“We all wanted to see Joe Calzaghe vs Carl Froch, that never happened either. I think this is the next one in that line.
“I don’t think it will happen. I think we’ve missed the window for it, I really do.”
Fury, 34, turned his attention to Chisora, 38, after talks with Joshua, 32, broke down.
That is despite twice already beating the heavyweight veteran in one-sided fashion, in 2011 and 2014.
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It leaves Coldwell – who formerly coached Chisora – criticising Fury’s decision, having seemingly also snubbed Joe Joyce, 37.
He said: “It’s poor for the division and it’s poor for the sport.
“And what it shows is that Fury obviously isn’t bothered about who he’s fighting.
“If he was, Mahmoud Charr – another joke of an option – would not have been considered. 
“There are plenty of other fighters out there – you only have to look as far as Queensberry stablemate Joe Joyce.
“I’m not saying Joyce would beat him; I’m not saying anyone would beat him, but at least it would be more interesting. 
“But if you’re not getting Joshua or Usyk, and you’re simply looking for a fight to tide you over, you’re not going to take on an absolute terminator who just keeps coming, like Joyce. 
“He’s gone for the easy option.”
Derek Chisora is in talks to fight Tyson Fury on December 3Credit: Getty More

DEONTAY WILDER will be ready to fight Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk after his return against Robert Helenius. Wilder faces former sparring partner Helenius in New York tonight, his first bout since being knocked out by Tyson Fury last year.
Deontay Wilder and Robert Helenius ahead of their fightCredit: Getty
It is an eliminator for the WBC title, held by Fury, with the winner then facing Andy Ruiz Jr, 33, to become mandatory challenger.
So Wilder, 36, has three huge names lined up for next year, providing he beats Helenius, 38, at the Barclays Center.
He told FightHype: “You got the Usyks, Ruiz, Joshuas – they’re the top three guys that people want to see, especially Joshua.
“That’s the number one fight in the world for me, me and him.
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“Everywhere I go all I hear is people say me and Joshua, and that’s the number one fight for them as well.
“With that being said, if that is the number one fight in the world for me then that’s what I want.”
Joshua, 32, is coming off consecutive losses to Usyk, 35, who is lined up for a unification with Fury, 34, next year.
It leaves AJ set for a comeback fight on December 17, while Fury is in talks to face Derek Chisora, 38, who he beat in 2011 and 2013.
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Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel is ready to come to the negotiation table after the heavyweight returns against Helenius.
He said: “The time will come after this fight, if he’s sincere, and Joshua wants it, we’ll make it.
“If Deontay does what he’s supposed to do, we’re ready.”
Oleksander Usyk has twice beaten Anthony JoshuaCredit: Mark Robinson More

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