Deontay Wilder’s return to the ring draws ever closer and he appears to be in leaner condition for his October 15 battle with Robert Helenius.

As we all know, the former WBC heavyweight champion of the world hasn’t been in any competition since his KO loss to Tyson Fury last year in Las Vegas.

Looking to bounce back, Wilder will square off with The Nordic Nightmare in a WBC title eliminator bout as he looks to be on the war path to regaining heavyweight gold.

Read more: Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius: Date, Fight Card, How to watch and more

Wilder has been pictured in the gym numerous times in preparation for his comeback, but comments on those recent images seem to think that The Bronze Bomber is dropping too much weight.

He’s definitely been training hard, but it has been said that the Alabama native is undertaking too many rounds of sparring.

Let's take a look at his physique right now ahead of the fight.

Deontay Wilder looking a lot slimmer

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder talks with reporters during a media workout at UFC APEX on September 22, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilder is scheduled to fight Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on October 15. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder talks with reporters before a media workout at UFC APEX on September 22, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilder is scheduled to fight Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on October 15. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder (L) works on his timing with trainer Malik Scott at UFC APEX on September 22, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilder is scheduled to fight Robert Helenius at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on October 15. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Now let's take a look at some photos of Wilder for his third fight with Tyson Fury.

Deontay Wilder's appearance vs Tyson Fury

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 09: Deontay Wilder reacts after knocking Tyson Fury down in the fourth round of their WBC heavyweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on October 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fury retained his title with an 11th-round knockout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 09: Referee Russell Mora talks to Deontay Wilder during his WBC heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury at T-Mobile Arena on October 09, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Deontay Wilder screams during his official weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on October 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilder will challenge WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury for his title on October 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The difference is pretty eye-opening.

World Boxing News' tweet probably does the most justice of the difference, which can be seen below.

What has Deontay Wilder's training been like?

In just 27 days, Malik Scott has presided over an astronomical 598 three-minute stanzas which has subsequently led to Wilder into something that resembles cruiserweight shape.

Speaking about his new regime, as per WBN, Wilder confessed that he was going all in come October 15: “We’ve been doing 30 or 40 rounds nonstop. The only time I get water is during the break.

“I’ve just been doing things like this to challenge myself. You are doing something that has never been done before or that you don’t really do in boxing.

“I wanted to see how my body adjusts to the long length of time without a break. You’re in shape when you can go a long time without taking a break.”

What is clear at the moment, though, is that the 36-year-old needs a win upon his return to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a venue he has enjoyed great success at.

What is Deontay Wilder's future in boxing?

His last victory came in 2019 against Luis Ortiz via a devastating knockout, before he would subsequently lose twice to Tyson Fury within a 19-month period.

The leader of the Bomb Squad cannot lose again, or he may see his dreams of facing Anthony Joshua or a fourth bout with The Gypsy King get locked away.

When talking about the Barclays Center, Wilder heaped praise on one of New York’s biggest venues: “It’s not only just the beautiful arena that they have there, but they pack so many electrifying fans in there,” he said.

“I think Barclays Center has some of the best fans around. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve had an open-armed welcome.

Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius: Bronze Bomber has lost muscle since Tyson Fury fight

“I’m going to receive the same, or even greater, this time around. And I’m all smiles.

“I’ve been ready to back to Barclays Center for some time now, and I get that opportunity. I’m coming back, Brooklyn!”

October 15 definitely can’t come soon enough as the exciting clash with Helenius is on the horizon.

Will Wilder get the win he needs to put himself back into contention for the WBC crown or will The Nordic Nightmare put that dream to bed?