Deontay Wilder trainer and co-manager Jay Deas says reports of a done deal to fight Robert Helenius on October 15th are inaccurate.
Deas spoke out following numerous statements in the press that the Finn would be in the opposite corner to Wilder on that date.
Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius
World Boxing News reported that Helenius is the last man standing from a shortlist of three after Adam Kownacki and Charles Martin both lost.
Helenius remains a big favorite to get the green light to face Wilder. However, the date and confirmation need rubberstamping.
“Nothing’s official,” Deas told the Tuscaloosa News. “All I can really say at this point is that Deontay definitely wants to fight this fall.
“But nothing official has been announced. Nothing that is accurate as of yet.”
Wilder returned to training for the first time in a year recently. “The Bronze Bomber” was spotted training alongside Badou Jack and Michael Hunter.
Fall comeback
WBN understands dates in the second half of October and November are currently on the table for his return.
Regarding Helenius, he’s still awaiting the outcome of a possible legal challenge against the WBA. “The Nordic Nightmare,” told Sky Sports a few weeks ago that he’s the rightful challenger to the WBA heavyweight title.
He wants the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua. However, he’s more likely to get WBA secondary champion, Daniel Dubois.
That outcome may sway Helenius in the direction of Wilder.
Helenius WBA challenge
“I am rightfully the WBA mandatory. So, of course, I am interested in the Usyk vs Joshua winner,” Helenius told Sky Sports. “I definitely should be next.
“At this point, if we are not designated the mandatory after Usyk’s next fight, we will only have one option.
“My lawyers are very confident that the WBA has bungled this whole thing, so I am confident in my position.
“For now, I will stay focused on training and see how Usyk vs Joshua and my WBA situation play out.
“But I remain in a great position for something very big in the coming months for sure.”
Wilder vs Helenius does make the most sense of all the possible options. It seems to be a question of when rather than if the fight gets made.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
