Philippine Boxing News presents Deontay Wilder, nicknamed "The Bronze Bomber", an American professional boxer. 2015-2020 WBC heavyweight champion, successfully defended 10 times. Wilder also achieved the feat of being the first multiple-time defending American world champion since 2007 and is currently ranked No. 2 by The Ring. According to world rankings by BoxRec, ESPN, and the Transnational Boxing Ranking Council, Wilder ranks No. 3 in the world.
Deontay Wilder's Early Life
Deontay Wilder was born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His ethnicity is African-American. He graduated from Tuscaloosa Central High School in 2004 and had dreams of playing professional basketball or football. However, he got married early and had to work hard to support his family, especially after his daughter was born with spinal abnormalities. He gave up his academic goals and worked as a driver for Greene Beverage Company. Later, he chose to pursue a career in boxing to support his family. In October 2005, Wilder began his amateur boxing career at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama. He participated in the 2007 National Golden Gloves tournament and achieved a career-best by defeating Rakhim Chakhiyev of Russia in 2008.
Deontay Wilder's Professional Career
Deontay Wilder began his professional boxing career in 2008 at the age of 23. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning all seven of his fights in 2009 by knockout in the first round. By 2012, he had a 25-fight winning streak, all by knockouts within the first four rounds.
In 2012, Wilder won his maiden title in a match against Kelvin Price with a punch to the jaw. He also fought and defeated Audley Harrison in the first round in the UK. However, a fight with Derek Chisora fell through when Wilder was arrested for domestic abuse.
Wilder continued to win fights, including a knockout of Siarhei Liakhovich, who later accused him of illegal punching. Wilder's victory against Malik Scott earned him a mandatory challenger position for the WBC Heavyweight title held by Bermane Stiverne.
Wilder won the WBC World Championship in 2015. After winning the title he became the first American heavyweight champion since Hasim Rahman. He dedicated his victory to his Boxing idol Muhammad Ali and his daughter. Wilder earned a massive $1 million from this fight. After the fight, he got rid of golden boys as his manager and hired Al Haymon as his new manager.
Deontay Wilder defended his title against Eric Monila and Johann Duhaupas, making $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. He also defeated Artur Szpilka and Chris Arreola, the latter of whom was not in the ranking due to a positive dope test. He consumed marijuana and due to this his tests came positive.
In 2018, Wilder fought Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated match, which he lost. Wilder earned $14 million from the fight, while Fury earned $10 million.
Deontay Wilder's Record
Deontay Wilder Record | |
Total Boxing Fights | 45 |
Won By TKO/KO | 41 |
Won By Decisions | 1 |
Losses | 2 |
Draws | 1 |
Titles Won | 1 |
Titles Defense | 10 |
Deontay Wilder's Stats
Deontay Wilder Stats | |
Height | 6 Feet 7 Inches (201cm) |
Weight | 96 Kg (212 pounds) |
Reach | 83 inches |
Stance | Orthodox |
Body | Muscular |
Frame | Tall Body Frame |
Tattoos | Yes |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Black |
Deontay Wilder's Fighting Stance and Skills
Deontay Wilder's boxing style is often misunderstood as just a brawler due to his impressive knockout records. However, he actually uses elements of an intelligent sharp-shooting boxer-puncher style. Although he relies heavily on his power, his lack of technical ability means he has a slugger boxing style.
Wilder uses his lead hand, particularly his jab and left hook, to distract or keep his opponents occupied and to set up his power punches. He also uses his lead hand to create distance between himself and his opponent or defensively to keep his foe away from him. Wilder also uses subtle feints to keep his competitors guessing before releasing a shot.
One of Wilder's most underrated qualities is his ability to break through his opponents' guard. He does this by pulling away the guard of his challenger guard, leaving no time for his opposition to adapt in most cases, leaving them on the canvas.
Wilder prioritizes power over everything, particularly for his right-hand cross. He puts his full body into his punches, resulting in a lack of correct technique or structure in the body. However, the energy he creates when throwing these punches is devastating. Wilder uses his footwork to generate that power and can be clumsy at times, but his opponents still fear his power.
Defense is an area Wilder is underrated for. He doesn't take much damage in fights and uses his pawing jab, circling, and moving around the ring mostly on the back foot to create distance and make it difficult for his opponents to get to him. This makes his opponents cautious and not as committed to getting close, allowing Wilder to set up counter shots that catch them by surprise.
Deontay Wilder's Personal Life
Deontay Wilder has been married twice and has a total of four children.
He had his first child, a daughter named Naieya when he was only 19 years old. Naieya was born with spina bifida, a condition that causes deformities in the backbone. In order to pay for his daughter's medical treatment, Wilder took up boxing.
He later married Jessica Scales and they had two sons and a daughter, but they eventually separated. Wilder got engaged to Telli Swift in 2018 and they have a son and a daughter together.
Deontay Wilder's Recent Boxing News
In his recent fight with Robert Helenius, Wilder came out to the top after knocking down his opponent. Deontay knocked Helenius out in the 3rd minute of the first round. The fight took place in Brooklyn’s Barclays center on October 15, 2022. Deontay put his feet in the boxing ring after one year after a huge defeat to Tyson Fury. Both the boxers fought in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, United States of America on October 9, 2021.
What next fight for Deontay Wilder?
Deontay Wilder recently stated that he is an open agent now. He is taking full control of his career. He further said that he is still a member of the Premier Boxing Championship and is open to working with anyone. Deontay also declared that he won’t mind any platform for fighting as Farvas he is fighting in his career. There are no reports regarding any future fight schedule of Deontay. Now, he only has the authority to choose his opponent for the next fight. As far as, Fdenotay is concerned, he will definitely pick a boxer having caliber and skills like Deontay.