Deontay Wilder was full of praise of his upcoming opponent Robert Helenius. The pair are set to meet on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in what will be Wilder's first fight since losing to Tyson Fury for a second time last year.
For Wilder, this is a chance to remind fans that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division, but the former WBC world heavyweight champion is aware of the threat Helenius will pose.
"I always want a good matchup,” Wilder told Premier Boxing Champions’ Ray Flores during an open workout.
“You know what I mean? And Robert, he’s been on a winning streak and he’s here. You know what I mean? I’ve been hearing he’s supposed to be the mandatory for Usyk or however that is laid out or whatever.
"So, I know he’s coming with his A-plus-plus-plus [game]. You know what I mean? They always do when they fight me.”
This will not be the first time Wilder and Helenius have shared a ring however. The two heavyweight fighters have been involved in numerous sparring sessions together and Wilder believes this could benefit the European heavyweight come fight night.
“I think he’s got even more confidence because he sparred me many, many years,” Wilder said.
“So, we kinda know each other. So, at this point in time in camp we’re trying to do things that he’s never seen before. And I’m sure he’s trying to do the same thing, [do things] that I’ve never seen before. And the one thing I like about Robert, he has a warrior heart, just like me.
“So, when you have a warrior heart, it’s hard to quit. It’s hard to give in or surrender. And it’s that same way with Robert. You know what I mean?
"I’m excited to fight him. I’m excited to be able to share the ring with him come October the 15th. It’s gonna be an amazing fight, and I’m definitely not taking him lightly.”