Deontay Wilder Melts Robert Helenius In One Round!
On October 15, former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KO’s) fought Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius (31-4, 20 KO’s). The bout marks his first following a destructive trilogy with WBC champion Tyson Fury. With Wilder’s #1 (WBC) ranking however, it was clear that the winner of this duel would move closer to a possible title shot.
Helenius, a former sparring partner that helped Wilder prepare for the Fury trilogy, came into the ring off the two big career victories against top contender Adam Knowacki. Due to this previous, experience, The Nordic Nightmare knows all about the power of the former champion. Nevertheless, Helenius warns that his own power shouldn’t be overlooked.
Wilder made a return to the ring after a one-year layoff since losing the trilogy. Despite having a friendship with Helenius, The Bronze Bomber promised all that goes out the window on fight night. To his credit, Wilder did knockout one-time opponent, long-term friend and current lead trainer Malik Scott! Also, not only did The Bronze Bomber want to get back into the win column, he had a potential fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk waiting for him.
DON’T BLINK!
In the closing seconds of an extremely uneventful first rounds, Wilder briefly turned Helenius’s brain off with a trademark straight right hand. Upon impact, The Nordic Nightmare went down like he was on the wrong end of a taser – on the canvas with his unseeing eyes staring into oblivion. With the dramatic win, Wilder has formally re-established himself as a ferocious threat in the division. During the post-fight interview, The Bronze Bomber called out Andy Ruiz and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
By: Bakari Simpson
