Deontay Wilder has issued an apology after punching a man inside a mascot costume on US television.
Wilder was making an appearance on Spanish language television show ESPN Nacion to promote his December fight with British heavyweight Tyson Fury.
The reigning WBC champion was encouraged to demonstrate his knockout power by landing one on the sombrero-clad mascot, obliging in front of the show’s presenters.
Some reports have claimed the man inside the costume suffered a broken jaw as a result of the vicious right, with the 32-year-old since apologising on social media and inviting him to attend his Los Angeles showdown with Fury at the end of the year.
“I sincerely apologise to the brave man that was injured [if this is true],” Wilder wrote on Instagram. “I have the up most high respect [sic] for him, his participation, willingness and courage.
“If this is true @nacionespn I personally would like to invite him to my December 1 fight.”
Wilder dismissed claims he did not know someone was inside the costume as “straight click-baiting.”
