David Bridges
Deontay Wilder has faced many tough opponents in thrilling heavyweight fights over the years.
He has faced the likes of Tyson Fury three times and also Cuban Luis Ortiz on two occasions.
His trilogy with world champion Fury was memorable in almost every possible way, but there is one opponent who gave the 36-year-old no trouble at all.
Back in the early stages of his career, he agreed to fight a fan if he was able to get 5,000 fans on Facebook.
When he achieved that goal, he did the honourable thing and fought a fan… but there was a catch.
Deontay Wilder fights ‘fan’ after reaching milestone
The Bronze Bomber released a video when he hit the target and the result was brilliant.
Video: Deontay Wilder fights ‘fan’
In the footage, he says: “Hey, this is Deontay, the Bronze Bomber, Wilder.
“I’d like to say thanks to all my fans for getting me up to 5,000 fans on Facebook.
“Now as promised, I’m gonna fight a fan.”
He then delivers a powerful right hand uppercut which decks an electric fan and he then smiles to the camera, proud of his knockout punch.
He started the first round slowly, before he crunched a fierce right hand to swiftly end the bout.
The referee on the night didn’t even bother starting a count, as he noticed Helenius’ face and realised he was out cold and in no shape to continue.
The slow motion footage that has since emerged showcases why the referee opted against counting and why Helenius was unable to recover.
It’s safe to say the American can still pack a punch.
What next for Deontay Wilder?
After the fight, Wilder was quick to call out a couple of names who he’d like to fight next in the ring.
He said: “I have been hearing rumours about [Oleksandr] Usyk, but he’s not here is he?
“When guys see these knockouts, they turn the corner away from me. So I’m down for whatever, whether it’s Andy Ruiz or Usyk, let’s bring it on.
“Deontay is back and the excitement in the heavyweight division is back.”
Wilder’s victory improves his record to 43 wins, two losses and one draw (44-2-1 if you include the fan fight.)
The fact that Wilder seems like he’s back to his best is a great thing for heavyweight boxing and he will still feel that he can conquer the world yet again.
Maya Kensington
Clara Hastings
