The Bronze Bomber’s redemption tour

Deontay Wilder’s victorious return to the ring after two chastening losses has amped up the buzz in the heavyweight division. The knockout expert wants to go out on top — potential bouts against Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk could allow him to do just that

When athletes are invited to unveil their statues, it’s typically a tribute to their past. But when heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder was honoured with a statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama this year, it clarified his future.

“I thought so many times about whether I should stay out of the business or come back. Once I got my statue in my hometown and saw so many people celebrate with me ... [it] made me feel like my job is not done,” he said. “It’s been a long journey for me and as of today it continues.”

So Wilder decided to get back into the ring for the first time after consecutive losses to Tyson Fury. In his return, against Finnish fighter Robert Helenius, the former WBC champion unleashed the crushing right hand that has long been considered the best in the business. And he did what he does best — separate an opponent from his senses.

Wilder’s victory, in less than a round, improved his record to 43 wins (with an astonishing 42 knockouts), 2 losses and 1 draw.

The bout was another showcase of the fearsome power the 6’7” bruiser can seemingly access so easily. This was often on view during his five-year reign as WBC champion — and even during the back-and-forth second defeat to Fury after he had lost the belt.

It’s why Wilder is such a can’t-miss attraction, a genuine pay-per-view star. “When I’m in the arena, or when I’m in a fight, you know I keep people on the edge of their seats because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “But when it happens baby, bam, good night.”