A sedated Deontay Wilder emerged online today as the WBC heavyweight champion came back to consciousness following surgery after his latest title defence.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ successfully defended his title last Saturday when he stopped Mexican-American Chris Arreola inside the distance in his home State of Alabama.

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However the win came at a price, after Wilder badly broke his main weapon in the ring (his right hand) and also suffered a painful looking torn bicep muscle.

Alas, he looks to have at least come out of surgery in good spirits today in what appears to have been a successful repair to at least one his injuries.

It is expected now however that he will sit out on the sidelines for at least six months or so, with his next fight now not expected until 2017.

To his credit the first thing Deontay could think of today after his surgery was his fans, who he wanted to give a rather immediate update on how things went – while clearly still fairly drugged from surgery.

Deontay, we salute you. Get well soon.

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(Credit: Deontay Wilder Instagram)