TV show advertisers and executives love trash talk between boxers because it sells fights.
They must have been disappointed with their lead in pay-per-view Deontay Wilder-Robert Helenius on Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The former partners have nothing but good things to say about each other.
Of course, the good will ends when they step over the ropes. For now, however, nothing but respect.
Wilder, who is about to lose directly to Tyson Fury, said: “We are partners of partners and we respect each other. “But don’t worry; The beast will appear on Saturday night. It will certainly be fireworks. “
Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs) fought with the intensity of a monster in his third bout against Fury a year ago, knocking out the towering WBC belt winner twice before stopped in round 11order Round of a classic battle.
He will be justified against a promoter in his comeback fight but he wants a meaningful match.
Enter his ex-partner. Helenius (31-3, 20 KOs) will knock out former rival Adam Kownacki, who revived Finn’s career as an elite heavyweight contender.
The match is being considered a WBC title elimination.
“We have known each other for many years,” Wilder said. “The reason I agreed to join this fight is because he is on a winning streak. He looks great. When they said this was going to be a title elimination, I was so excited, because if I’m going to be here, why not fight for something worth fighting for? “
He continued: “You can’t look past Robert Helenius. I’ve done over 700 laps in training camp and it’s been great since pre-camp.”
Meanwhile, Helenius, 38, still dreams of becoming the first heavyweight champion from Finland.
And, with his sensational wins over Kownacki, he could be a win over Wilder from finally having a chance to fight for a major title. However, he knew from their matches and followed Wilder closely that it wouldn’t be easy.
Odds providers have placed Wilder in the 6 ½ -1 favorite, which is the multi-store average.
“I have dedicated my life to this sport,” says Helenius. “So this makes sense to me. I did all my work to be able to give my best to this fight. I am ready. Of course. I respect his strength. We’ve been doing a lot of footwork and stabbing and we’ve been doing that all year. …
“I prefer to be the weaker. It gave me more strength and more power during training camp and when we finally got into the ring. … Sitting here, I don’t know what else to say. I feel like this is my moment now.”
