Deontay Wilder vs. Robert Helenius: Fight Odds, Live Stream, Predictions

Deontay Wilder returns to the ring Saturday, looking to chart a path back to the top of the heavyweight division. The power puncher takes on Robert Helenius in a WBC world title eliminator on a pay-per-view card from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Wilder last fought in October 2021, losing to Tyson Fury for the second time in a row. He was outclassed in both of those fights, but that doesn't mean the former WBC titleholder isn't worthy of another shot at a belt.

The 35-year-old is a perfect 42-0 against fighters not named Fury, and the latter may not be in the game for much longer.

If Wilder can return to his winning ways, he just might get another shot at glory.

---

Wilder vs. Helenius Fight Info

When: Saturday, Oct. 15 at 9 p.m. ET (main card)

Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York

TV: Fox Sports PPV

Live stream: Fox Sports PPV, Fite.TV ($74.99)

Odds: Wilder -800, Helenius +500

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

---

Wilder is undoubtedly the name selling this pay-per-view, but Helenius isn't a fighter to be overlooked.

The Nordic Nightmare was considered a potential star a little over a decade ago, even scoring a split-decision win over Dereck Chisora in 2011. But injuries and some lackluster showings derailed his career, and he's never been able to maneuver his way into a world title challenge, though he's come close.

A pair of dominant stoppage wins over the previously undefeated Adam Kownacki has put Helenius in position for a nice payday and a potential showcase against Wilder. And the Sweden-born slugger is looking to capitalize on the opportunity.

"I'm really happy to get this opportunity, of course. I've been training and boxing for 25 years, and I've had my ups and downs. I feel like everything is connecting, and that's why I'm here," the 38-year-old told reporters.

Helenius will have to show the same skill and spirit he's displayed in recent fights against Kownacki if he's to score a significant upset. Wilder is not the most technically savvy of fighters, but he has a devastating right hand and knows how to set it up well. His highlight reel speaks for itself.

There is, of course, concern that his losses to Fury may have taken something out of him. He was stopped twice in both fights and suffered a total of five knockdowns. Those are the kind of beatings that can permanently alter a boxer.

Then again, Wilder has spent much of his career dishing out swift punishment thanks to his legendary power, and he has had a full year to recover. It wouldn't be surprising to see him put in a sharp performance and patiently set up Helenius for a late show-stopping number.

Wilder has also set new goals for himself with the Fury trilogy behind him. He's called out the likes of Anthony Joshua and professed a desire to fight at least three more years.

"I only want to do this until 40," Wilder told Ben Baby of ESPN.com. "I feel like I have a little bit more time left that I can provide my service to my greatness. And that's what I'm going to do."

If his heart is truly in it, Wilder is a good bet to take down Helenius. Fury is considered the genius of his heavyweight generation, but the Tuscaloosa, Alabama native has managed to knock him down four times in three fights, and was seconds away from winning their first meeting in 2018.

Any version of Wilder that is even close to his peak should be enough to get a stoppage against a dangerous but overpowered Helenius.

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply.

See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.