- What: Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius
- When: Saturday, October 15th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
- How to watch: Fox Sports
Deontay Wilder makes his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday, October 15th when he fights fellow heavyweight Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center. Wilder and Helenius have been sparring partners for the last couple of years, which makes this bout even more intriguing. The Bronze Bomber hasn't stepped in the ring since the fall of 2021 when he was beaten by arch-nemesis Tyson Fury for the second fight in a row. Wilder is in desperate need of a victory here as his career quickly winds down. As for Helenius, he's been boxing extremely well in recent memory, taking down a very tough opponent in Adam Kownacki in back-to-back bouts. Keep reading for the Wilder vs Helenius picks.
Before we get into the odds and predictions for this fight, check out the best boxing betting sites and where you can find our sportsbook reviews.
Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius Odds
 | Odds | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Deontay Wilder | -800 | Ov 4.5 (-135) |
| Robert Helenius | +500 | Un 4.5 (+105) |
Wilder is a heavy -800 favorite here, with the over/under in round sitting at 4.5.
Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius Preview
Wilder was once a world champion but that changed once he took a beatdown from Fury in his last two outings, losing the WBC belt. While the 36-year-old did show serious guts last October before the bout was ultimately stopped in the 11th round, Wilder must get back in the win column. It's absolutely crucial. Wilder has his chances against Fury too, even knocking down the Brit on two occasions. But, the Gypsy King just kept coming back with more force and eventually ended Wilder's night. His record now sits at 42-2-1, including 41 knockouts. To be honest, the American could've definitely picked a less established opponent who he could undoubtedly beat. But, instead, Wilder chose Helenius, a veteran boxer with no shortage of confidence at the moment. He wants a battle and he'll get one. Keep an eye on the Alabama native in the Wilder vs Helenius picks.
Helenius isn't an elite heavyweight fighter, but he's also no pushover. The Nordic Nightmare, who is now 38 years old, is looking absolutely fantastic right now. Ever since his defeat to Gerald Washington in 2019, the Finland native has notched three consecutive victories, all via knockout. While Helenius has never had the opportunity to contend for a belt, he's got nothing to lose here and everything to gain. No one thinks Helenius can actually beat Wilder, but we're looking at two boxers on opposite sides of the spectrum lately. Plus, they're also very familiar with one another as sparring partners. A win here would definitely give Helenius a chance at a title fight. He comes into Saturday with a 31-3 record, including 20 knockouts. The last victory over Kownacki was also last October, which means it's been a year since he last went to battle, just like Wilder. That came at the Barclays Center, too. Both boxers are familiar with the venue.
Over/Under Value
Wilder proved once again in the Fury bout that he's a tough out. It took 11 rounds until he actually lost. Although he is a big favorite to come out victorious, Helenius isn't exactly an easy win, either. With the over/under at just 4.5 rounds, there is massive value in the over at -135 odds. In my mind, there is no way this bout finishes in the first four rounds. I'm not saying it goes the full 12, but I think both guys have what it takes to exchange blows without actually getting knocked out early.
Final Pick
The obvious one in the Wilder vs Helenius picks would be Wilder. But, I really don't know how much he's got left in him. Plus, coming off two losses, there's a chance Wilder isn't super confident. Helenius meanwhile, is 6-1 in his previous seven fights and just put his three last opponents on the canvas. At +500 odds, it's worth putting some money down on the underdog here to pull off yet another upset.
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