Deontay Wilder has been told he needs to "learn how to box" if he is to have a successful comeback to the ring.
The 'Bronze Bomber' announced his plans to return to the ring several months after his defeat to Tyson Fury, having taken time away from the ring to consider his future. Upon his return, Wilder will take on the challenge of contender Robert Helenius on October 15 at the Barclays Center in New York.
Wilder showed he still has high-level skills knocking down Fury twice despite falling to a stoppage defeat of his own in the penultimate round of their third meeting. However former Olympic gold medalist Ray Mercer has delivered a brutal verdict on Wilder's career ahead of his return, suggesting he will only stand a chance if he develops his boxing skills.
“No, what [makes it] hard to come back is, you gotta’ learn how to f***ing box before you come back," Mercer said in a brutal one-line assessment of Wilder's return when asked by FightHype. Wilder had a sensational record prior to facing Fury with 41 KO victories on his record.
It is widely recognised that the 'Bronze Bomber' has elite power but he was unable to match the skill-level of Fury who was able to wear the American down in all three fights. A win for the American star will see him immediately back in the ascendency for a world title shot h aving preserved his No.1 contender ranking with the WBC despite his lengthy absence.
Helenius and Wilder have previously sparred and it is uncertain how much of a stern examination his rival will provide on the night. However the 36-year-old believes it could be a tough night with his opponent on a significant winning streak. “This will be about who is the smartest, fastest, and hits the hardest," he said at yesterday's press conference. "Helenius is a great fighter. He's very long. He can be patient at times. He's got a heart of gold.
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"He's not going to give up. He has a military background. He knows how to fight and keep it going. He's not going to give up. This is not going to be easy. This is going to be an interesting fight for me and Robert. We know each other in the ring and we both know what we are capable of doing. I'm going to have to come out with something different.
"Something he's never seen before and bring it to him that way. He's probably thinking the same thing. I'm looking forward to a great challenge. A lot of people are going to get their money's worth and a great show in my comeback fight. He's been doing great on his winning streak. He's got to feel very good and confident in himself.”
