Deontay Wilder’s demeanor took on a dramatically different tone when he had a chance to speak to the media Saturday night.
The former WBC heavyweight champion knocked out Robert Helenius in New York at Barclays Center. He did it with three seconds left in the first round. This was Wilder’s first victory since falling to Tyson Fury in back-to-back defeats.
Wilder was asked at the post-fight press conference if he had concerns about his former partner and training partner. He expressed regret and apologized.
” I always worry about all fighters,” Wilder stated. Wilder said, “I am a strong advocate for fighters since we all get wrong. A sport is something you play. This is not a sport. We risk our lives for you guys’ entertainment and I speak that forever. If you are in a loving relationship with a man and have built a friendship, even though he is thousands of miles from me, it’s easy to want to help them. He needed some space so I tried to help him but they refused to let me.
“My heart is broken for him. I pray that he feels better and can go home to his family. This business is hard. It’s why I always tell them to be respectful of all fighters. People always go about worrying about records and all this, ‘He lost, he’s a bum,’ and all that. Let’s get our bums out and see who is the real bum. Because you don’t play this. You can’t play this.
“We demand respect at all times, every fighter that steps in the ring. I don’t care what the record is, I don’t care who they are or where they come from, it demands respect, because if not, then you see things like that happen. Then, “Oh, that’s great knockout,” Yes, that’s great knockout. It’s historic, and it makes history. But how much will that man suffer? It may seem that he is okay right now. But what about tomorrow? How about in two weeks? How about one month from now?” Maybe years from now.”
Wilder is widely regarded as one of the greatest power punchers in boxing history. His finish of Helenius was his 42nd knockout in 43 professional victories. While his team was already emotional about his bounce-back win, “The Bronze Bomber” broke down when discussing the potential consequences of Saturday’s result.
Wilder began to weep when he mentioned the case Prichard Colon. He had suffered a severe brain injury in a fight in 2015, and has been cared for by his family since.
“We’ve seen what happened,” Wilder said. “Look at [Colon.] This man ain’t have no kids–They don’t understand, y’all don’t f****** understand what we go through. I don’t even know him like that, but I’ll always be an advocate for us because this man will never know what it feels like to be somebody’s father. That’s one of the most precious things in the world, to be somebody’s father, but he’ll never be nobody’s father. This man will never have a natural ability of living again because he got in the ring to support his family.
” Now his family must take care of him the rest of their lives. He would likely have been the breadwinner in his family’s household, and they are now seeking assistance and s***. I could say so much about it. This is why you shouldn’t be playing. This is serious .”
This was Helenius’ third knockout defeat and the second of five in his career. The 14-year veteran fell to 32-4.
Wilder wondered what effect this latest setback could have on Helenius’ long-term health.
” We don’t know what Robert will do after this experience,” Wilder stated. “I just did a job. What I do is great. It’s not my intention to disrupt people’s lives. I’m just trying to support my family as well. This is what we sign up to do and, unfortunately, there’s a winner and a loser and sometimes it’s a draw. Who takes that on when they are unable to work anymore?
“Robert might be the breadwinner in his family. But what if that’s not possible? Who pays the bills Who pays the mortgage? His kids are grown up. Who will take care of his children? We all know that losing is hard. But those people who love you when you win and kiss you to tell you they care, aren’t around anymore. Where they at?”
Watch Wilder’s complete press conference, provided by Fight Hub TV.
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