Deontay Wilder to Reuse Controversial Costume in Tyson Fury Rematch

(Photo : Reuters/Steve Marcus)
Deontay Wilder's 3STONE Ring Walk costume

Deontay Wilder has vowed to use his controversial ring-walk outfit again in his next fight with Tyson Fury after phoning the people behind the design. 

Wilder previously blamed his devastating defeat to Tyson Fury on the mask, crown, and body armor he wore before he made his way to the ring. He claimed the costume was too heavy and was weighing him down.

The boxer rang Donato Crowley, 52, Tuesday night to clear up any confusion and said he considers them "family" as they aim to move on. 

Donato revealed they are planning to create a new costume for the third installment of Wilder v Fury despite the criticism. 

"We had an extensive honest conversation that put confusion and rumors to rest, reiterating that he considers us family.," he said. "Deontay was very clear that he looks forward to future collaborations."

The ring walk outfit was inspired by the 60s movie The Devil Rides Out and served as a tribute to Black History Month.

The designer refused to reveal how much the $61,000 costume weighed. They did, however, reveal that a battery pack added to its overall weight. 

They also said Wilder was asked to wear the costume for longer than they expected. 

(Photo : Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury during their press conference

After his seventh-round loss, Deontay spoke to Yahoo where he claimed his loss was due to his legs being 'shot' because his 'uniform was way too heavy.'

Wilder was battered during the seven-round beating, being floored twice before Mark Breland, his assistant trainer, threw in the towel.

"It could easily be told that I didn't have legs or anything. A lot of people were telling me, 'It looked like something was wrong with you.'," he said in the interview. "I knew I didn't have the legs because of my uniform."

ESPN's boxing journalist Dan Rafael revealed Wilder told him he was in his pre-fight outfit for a considerable time. "Fighters can't understand that they lost so they have to find somebody to lay the blame at," he said. 

A video released by BT Sport showed Deontay Wilder preparing to face Tyson Fury by training with a 45-pound vest on during his sprinting sessions, mere weeks before the Bronze Bomber complained his ring costume weakened his legs. 

It also showed the boxer sprinting with additional weight before his rematch with Fury. The vest was also the same weight vest he used before his first fight with Fury.

Wilder insisted that the costume, which weighed about 40 pounds, hindered his performance in the ring. He also insisted he would make no excuses, days before blaming his 3STONE costume for the loss. 

Deontay Wilder's ring-walk suits have become more elaborate. The costumes are the creation of Los Angeles-based designers Cosmo + Donato and can cost up to $118, 250.

The designers' relationship with Wilder began after his fiancee, Telli Swift, saw a mask at their store on Melrose Avenue and thought it was perfect for the puncher. 

Cosmo Lambino and Donato Crowley initially had no idea who Wilder was when they first asked to design an outfit for him.

"From day one, we have shared Deontay and Telli's vision for the Bronze Bomber," they said. "We remain excited as ever to participate in the creative expression this alter-ego affords our client."