DEONTAY Wilder’s ring outfit designers are BACK for the Tyson Fury trilogy fight, and promise a new costume won’t stop the Bronze Bomber from winning this time round.
LA stylists Cosmo Lombino, 57, and Donato Crowley, 53, have contributed towards Wilder’s fierce walk entrances with elaborate designs, including leather bejeweled masks, crystallised crowns and feathered cloaks since 2018.
However, after Wilder, 35, was battered by Fury in 2020, one of the excuses that came out of the Alabama native’s camp was the ring outfit was too heavy and caused fatigue that aided a loss.
Just days after Wilder’s defeat, Cosmo and Donato told SunSport they spoke with the heavyweight brawler to clear the air in an emotional phone call.
Donato said: “We had an extensive honest conversation that put confusion and rumours to rest.
“Reiterating that he considers us ‘family’, Deontay was very clear that he looks forward to future collaborations.
“The subject of the call then turned to ‘Wilder vs Fury III’.”
Cosmo added: “All of us consider it a privilege to contribute to the cultural professional legacy of the iconic Deontay Wilder.
“As a fashion organisation, I see no greater honour or responsibility that our team could be entrusted with.”
Revisiting that moment, the pair told SunSport exclusively their bewilderment at the criticism of their ring outfit, while revealing their excitement to be working with Deontay once again.
“We were definitely surprised by Deontay’s coach blaming the costume weight for him losing the fight,” the pair told SunSport exclusively.
“We went to great detail testing it to make sure that nothing would distract or get in the way of Deontay’s mental focus and ring walk.
“The only additional weight in this costume would have been the lasers and battery packs.”
Last year, Wilder’s outfit was a nod to Black History Month and cult 60s horror movie Devil Rides Out.
This time round, Cosmo and Donato have teased a couture piece that’s an ode to Africa.
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It leans on Wilder’s roots going back to the Edo people found in Southern Nigeria.
“This costume is very special to Deontay,” they told us.
“He asked us to use red and black colours, which represent Wilder’s African roots.
“The red represents war, while the black represents a funeral.
“This time around, we created a couture surprise element that is sure to make heads turn and honour Deontay’s African Edo tribe.
Cosmo and Donato understand the importance the ring walk has in providing the entertainment factor, as well as an important message.
There’s also the fear factor it could bring, not that they feel Wilder needs that.
“The ring walk is a powerful moment for the boxer to display to the world their chosen message in that moment,” they said.
“For Cosmo and Donato our mission was to bring the embodiment of the Bronze Bomber to life in couture warrior form.
“We’ve been privileged to be in the room with Deontay the day before a fight and were both astounded at the mental change that takes place when the Bronze Bomber enters Deontay’s psyche and remains until the fight is over.
“We really don’t think Deontay needs an outfit to appear more intimidating, but we’ve had an absolutely amazing time designing these iconic looks.”
Wilder’s ring outfits have been said to be worth up to £60,000.
However, Cosmo and Donato are remaining tight-lipped on the cost of their recent designs.
They revealed: “Well, the last costume was historic and priceless as far as we’re concerned.
“We put our hearts, souls, blood, sweat and tears into that iconic and epic ring walk couture moment.
“For his fifth one, well we’ll leave the price of that to Deontay to reveal.”
On October 9, Wilder will be looking to avenge Fury’s knockout victory by defeating his old foe.
Cosmo and Donato have revealed they’re backing their boy, who has never appeared more determined to succeed.
“It’s Deontay all the way for us,” they said.
“We’ve never seen him more focused than he is now. There is definitely a determination and fiery redemption energy, along with a sense of calmness of spirit in him at the moment.
“We believe he’s reconnected to his roots, a tribe of true warriors.
“He looks better than he’s ever looked and happier than we’ve ever seen him.”
