Deontay Wilder broke the record for the least punches landed in a KO victory with just three connecting in his win over Robert Helenius.
The 'Bronze Bomber' was contemplating retirement from the sport after losing his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury last year, but elected to return to the ring against heavyweight contender Helenius. And in devastating fashion he needed just one round to close the show, detonating a huge right hand which left the Finnish star out cold on the canvas.
Wilder's power has been the key ingredient to his success so far with many suggesting he is the hardest-hitting fighter in the sport. And during his latest display of power punching excellence, Wilder was his usual economical self, landing the fewest number of punches in a KO win on record.
Wilder has often shown his one-punch power, which has even seen him drop current WBC champion Fury on several occasions despite never having beaten him across their three meetings.
Helenius had previously sparred with the American heavyweight and Wilder showed immediate concern after landing the final blow which saw his rival taken straight to hospital. Wilder has admitted he is concerned for his rival's long-term health while acknowledging the risks that fighters take by stepping into the firing line.
"I always have concerns for all fighters," Wilder said when sending a message of support to Helenius at the post-fight press conference. "I'm a big advocate for fighters because, like I always say, this is not a sport. A sport is something you play. You don't play this. We risk our lives for your guys' entertainment and I speak that forever.
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"But when you have a relationship with a man, when you love a man, when you build a friendship with another man although he's a thousand miles away from where I am. When you see stuff like that man, you want to come to his aid. I wanted to come to his aid but they wouldn't let me. But my heart goes out to him and I hope he's OK and goes back to his family because this is a tough business that we're in."
Helenius later issued a positive update confirming his medical check-ups were completed with no abnormalities, and Wilder then proceeded to visit his opponent's hotel room to apologise for the vicious KO. Several tougher tests will likely now be waiting in line for the former champion including a potential title eliminator with Andy Ruiz Jr.
