Deontay Wilder’s first-round KO of Robert Helenius looks even better in slow-motion footage that has since emerged.
The Bronze Bomber is known for his devastating power and returned with a bang in New York on Saturday night in his first fight since losing his trilogy to Tyson Fury last October.
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Wilder is back with a bang
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He brutally KO’d Helenius
Wilder’s former sparring partner Helenius was selected as the opponent and proved to be the ideal foil as the American announced his return to the heavyweight division.
The Finnish fighter was flat on his back inside the first round after being hit by a hard, short right hand.
Some questioned the KO as Wilder landed the shot in an instant.
However, the slow-motion footage showed that it did, of course, land clean on Helenius’ head.
Wilder’s legendary power was once again on display as he went 43-2-1 (43 KOs).
Wilder looked at his KO and said after the fight: “I was getting him, I was trying to keep the distance.
“Robert has the heart of a champion. I know what he’s capable of, I didn’t take him lightly.
“I saw that he really wanted it. I knew that from Robert, so I had to take my time.
“I wanted to be mobile, hostile and nimble tonight.
“I rode him, I allowed him to come and then when you come, I attack.”
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Wilder was clearly relieved to have won
Asked who he wants next, Wilder replied: “I’m up for whatever it is. Whether it’s Andy Ruiz or Oleksandr Usyk.
“Deontay Wilder is back, the excitement in the heavyweight division is back.
“There is no heavyweight division without Deontay Wilder, these are facts.”