With the victory over the Finnish Robert Helenius, Deontay Wilder seems to have put aside his past for good. Two consecutive defeats at the hands of reigning champion Tyson Fury had put a blot on an otherwise exceptional career that boasted a 91% knockout-to-win rate. The six feet and seven inches tall Alabaman embarked on the sweet science journey fourteen years ago. Winning his first world title on 4th November 2017 against Bermane Stiverne, he defended it ten times before yielding it to Fury on 22nd February.

Yet, despite the setback, the father of eight still wields immense respect and admiration for boxing. No wonder his hometown Tuscaloosa presented a statue in his honor in May last year. The bronze statue reflects his moniker, ‘The Bronze Bomber.’ Even the former champion couldn’t help but admire the work. In fact, he even returned to, once again, pay a visit to his likeness, Yet, it’s a different fact that the fans found themselves bemused. 

The statue of a champion and the way fans see it

Through his Twitter handle, Deontay Wilder shared his video and said, “It’s okay to love the goodness out of yourself, most times self-motivation is a must, then at times it’s all we need to stay alive!!”

Talksport.com’s boxing editor Michael Benson soon shared it with a larger crowd.

Read More: WATCH: Deontay Wilder Passes Out on the Floor After Intense 64 Rounds 3 Day Sparring Sessions

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As fans saw Wilder standing and beholden by his statue, fans joined in force to cheer, jeer, and humor themselves and others.

@LegenCollin correlated Wilder’s reaction with a scene from a Netflix movie based on the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

@ Jesse23sports could make out the thoughts in the former champion’s mind and what it meant to him as he stood in front of his statue.

@LobTies, couldn’t help but appreciate the statue, even though he found it shorter when Wilder stood in front.

@DJKBOX101 stated that Wilder would’ve eaten himself if he was made of chocolate.

@Shawnadams171 tried to put all reactions to rest as he reminded everyone that Wilder is a champion and deserves to enjoy and admire his statue.

@2goodtome disagreed and questioned Wilder’s achievements. He recounted how Fury knocked down The Bronze Bomber twice.

The comeback road for Deontay Wilder

The second loss to Tyson Fury proved too much for Deontay Wilder. On the verge of retiring from active boxing, he returned in October to send Helenius to the canvas in the first round. It paved the way for an elimination fight per WBC rule for a shot as a challenger to Fury again. But he will have to take on former champion Andy Ruiz Jr for that to happen. 

Per the latest report, the Beijing bronze medalist is keen to have a direct route to Fury. So that opens up the passes to one of the big fights of the year. Former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is also on a comeback journey. And he is willing to take on big names to rejuvenate his career.

Watch Out for More: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder: Who is the richer boxer? Net Worth, Cars Collection, and More