Deontay Wilder visited Robert Helenius in his hotel room to apologise for the brutal KO finish of his opponent last night.
The 'Bronze Bomber' made his return to the ring for the first time since losing in a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury last year having elected to take on the challenge of Robert Helenius in New York. Wilder is notorious for his devastating power and it was once again the talk of the event last night as he detonated a huge right hand to send his opponent out cold on to the canvas in the opening round.
There were many concerns for Helenius who was immediately taken to hospital having been attended to by medical staff in the ring shortly after the referee halted the action. And in a touch of real class, the American heavyweight went straight to the hotel room of his opponent to check on him after the vicious stoppage.
The pair initially shared a lengthy embrace with Wilder uttering "you did great" to his former sparring partner who had begun the fight brightly prior to the KO. Both heavyweights then began to discuss the events that unfolded in the ring with Helenius beginning when he said: "This is your time now I have to say I am out. I am 38 years old I have been doing this for 25 years.
"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to fight though." Helenius then once again leaned in to hug Wilder who was seemingly touched by the gesture. Wilder then began addressing the KO, when he began: "You are a part of who I am right now. I appreciate you so much and everything you have done for me and in the sport.
"I know you feel great right now but in weeks, months or even years that is what I am concerned about because this is a tough business that we are in and we need people to love us." The pair embraced again before Wilder began talking to Helenius' team and readdressed Helenius shortly after.
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"I know personally that you have got a warrior's heart and that is what I love the most about you," Wilder continued. " I know it is my job but it hurt my heart to see you down as I look at you as one of my brothers. I never want to hurt any of my brothers." The 'Bronze Bomber' then burst into tears again shortly after before the pair said a final goodbye and parted ways.
Wilder had already showed concern for his rival during the press conference, where he revealed that he wanted to come to the aid of Helenius but was prevented from doing so. The 36-year-old's frightening power has been a talking point for many people who now believe he can return to the top and rekindle a challenge for Tyson Fury's WBC crown once again.
