WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, has issued an apology (of sorts) after he knocked out a man wearing mascot's outfit on an American TV show.
Wilder, who fights Tyson Fury in Los Angeles on December 1st, was appearing on ESPN Nacion to promote the bout.
The 32-year-old decked the mascot after being encouraged to do so by one of the show's presenters to show off his punching power.
Wilder said on Instagram:
"Anything headlining I didn’t know a “Human Being” was in there is just straight “Click Baiting”. Like come on now, I guess the Mascot rolled out there.
"I sincerely apologize to the brave man that was injured (if this is true) I have the upmost high respect for him, his participation, willingness and courage.
"If this is true, Nacion ESPN, I personally would like to invite him to my December 1st fight."
Although there has been many reports that Wilder broke the man's jaw, ESPN have reported that their employee was not in fact injured in the incident.
World heavyweight champion Wilder was encouraged to demonstrate his punching power by striking the mascot on ESPN Nacion.
The blow knocked the mascot to the ground. Despite initial reports, the man inside the costume was not injured by the punch.
