DEONTAY WILDER is becoming a heavyweight and no longer relies on one big shot. This is thanks to his "cerebral" training camp.
Tyson Fury, who he originally drew in 2018 with, dethroned the American from the WBC title in February 2020.
Trainers Jay Deas (far left), Malik Scott (middle left), and Deontay wilder
After Fury attempted to walk away, an arbitrator decided to award Wilder the fight.
The former champion has quietly been working under Malik Scott since his defeat in the first round. Scott was subsequently eliminated in 2014.
Wilder even built his own home gym in Alabama, but still spars at Skyy Boxing where he picked up the gloves when he was 20.
The Bronze Bomber, 35 years old, has promised to avenge Fury's defeat and even claimed that there would be 'bloodshed in the ring.
Wilder, however, has kept his emotions under control, believing that he will prove doubters wrong and have the last laugh.
SunSport spoke with Stephan Shaw, his sparring partner. He said that it was cerebral. Although he is reserved, he appears to be at peace.
"He seems cool to my eyes. It's not like, "Grrr, you gotta get him back". Nah, he says, "Fight night, they're going to see".
"He's all business. That's the one thing I can tell you. It's exciting to me, and I can't wait.
Wilder's first defeat saw him fire Mark Breland as assistant coach. Breland was rightly critical of Fury.
The heavyweight is now training at home and has hired Scott from an ex-opponent to help him get revenge.
Shelly Finkel, his co-manager, said that he was punctual and works out more than ever before. He is also focusing on the things that are missing.
Wilder has 41 knockouts from his 42 wins. He only went to the judges scorecards TWICE.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist was credited with being the strongest puncher in heavyweight history. He once boasted that'my opponent must be perfect for 12 rounds and I only need to be perfect one second'.
Scott, a new trainer, has prepared Wilder to fight Fury using a new philosophy and changed his training methods.
Shaw, 28 years old, said: "Hopefully we'll see a different Deontay.
"With all the things he does in camp, and Malik adapting and adapting to him, I see Deontay working hard on these things.
He's trying new things, but it's only going be obvious on fight night. He isn't just out to take you down with one shot.
"I believe one of his mishaps was thinking, "Guys must be perfect for 12 rounds, all that is required for me to change the fight is one second."
"Even though it's true, it can be either way. It is heavyweight boxing, and one punch could change the fight for Fury or Deontay.
"The only way to determine how the fight will be is by trying those things, working on them, and then actually doing them on fight night.
"From my perspective, he is definitely working on new ideas."
After losing to Fury, Wilder had to have bicep surgery. He was also given an extended break during the coronavirus pandemic.
He was due to face Fury on July 24, but he was forced to withdraw by his British opponent after he tested positive for coronavirus.
The trio bout was pushed back to October 9, and Finkel warned that Wilder would not be in a better place if he had to take more time off from training and then go on a longer training session.
Finkel stated that he was 60%-70% in the first fight. In the second fight, he wasn't there and was only 50%.
"I expect to see between 85 and 95% this time. You're never 100 per cent.
"God forbid you injures or any other harm, but you'll see an incredible performance."
