Deontay Wilder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Deontay Wilder
Wilder in 2018
Statistics
Real name	Deontay Leshun Wilder
Nickname(s)	The Bronze Bomber Dr. Sleep
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 7 in
Reach	83 in
Born	(1985-10-22) October 22, 1985 (age 39) Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	48
Wins	43
Wins by KO	42
Losses	4
Draws	1
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Golden Gloves Gold 2007 Chattanooga Heavyweight U.S. National Championships Gold 2007 Colorado Springs Heavyweight Representing  United States Olympic Games Bronze 2008 Beijing Heavyweight

Deontay Leshun Wilder (born October 22, 1985) is an American professional boxer. He is famous for his incredible punching power. Many people say he is one of the hardest punchers in boxing history.

Wilder held the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion title from 2015 to 2020. When he won, he became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007. This was the longest time in boxing history without an American heavyweight champion.

Wilder started boxing later than most, at 20 years old. As an amateur, he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. This earned him the nickname "the Bronze Bomber." He chose this name to honor Joe Louis, who was known as "the Brown Bomber."

Wilder's Amateur Boxing Career

Deontay Wilder began boxing in October 2005. He trained at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama. He was 20 years old when he started.

By 2007, he surprised many by winning two big amateur titles. He won both the National Golden Gloves and the US championships. He competed in the heavyweight division.

At the Golden Gloves, he beat tough opponents like Isiah Thomas. He also won against David Thompson in the finals. At the U.S. championship, he defeated Quantis Graves. He then won the final against James Zimmerman.

Wilder qualified for the Olympics after only 21 fights. In 2008, he had a great win against future Olympic champion Rakhim Chakhiyev in Russia. He earned his spot in the Olympics by winning qualifying matches.

Wilder competed in the heavyweight division at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He defeated boxers from Algeria and Morocco. He then lost to Clemente Russo of Italy in the semi-final. This earned him a bronze medal.

Wilder's amateur record was about 30 wins and 5 losses.

Olympic Results

Boxing at the 2008 Summer Olympics:

• Defeated Abdelaziz Toulbini (Algeria) 10:4
• Defeated Mohamed Arjaoui (Morocco) 10+:10 (tiebreaker criteria)
• Lost to Clemente Russo (Italy) 1:7

World Championship Results

2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships:

• Lost to Krzysztof Zimnoch (Poland) 20–23 (10/24/2007)

Wilder's Professional Boxing Journey

Wilder started his professional boxing career at age 23. His first fight was on November 15, 2008, in Nashville, Tennessee. He won by knockout in the second round.

He fought seven times in 2009, winning all fights in the first round. By October 2012, Wilder had won 25 fights in a row. All of these wins were by knockout, and all ended within four rounds. He beat experienced boxers like Owen Beck.

Wilder won his first professional title in December 2012. He knocked out Kelvin Price in the third round. This earned him the vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title. He defended this title successfully two times.

Rising Through the Ranks

In April 2013, Wilder fought Audley Harrison in the UK. Harrison was a former European champion and Olympic gold medalist. Wilder knocked out Harrison in the first round. Harrison retired from boxing after this loss.

In August 2013, Wilder faced former WBO heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich. Wilder knocked out Liakhovich in the first round. Liakhovich went down hard and the referee stopped the fight.

Two months later, Wilder knocked out Nicolai Firtha in four rounds. He continued his streak of knockout wins. In March 2014, Wilder fought Malik Scott in a WBC title eliminator. Wilder won by knockout in the first round. This made him the mandatory challenger for the WBC heavyweight title.

In August 2014, Wilder fought Jason Gavern. Gavern was knocked down twice. His corner stopped the fight after the fourth round. This gave Wilder another win.

Becoming WBC Heavyweight Champion

Wilder vs. Stiverne I

Wilder in 2015

On January 17, 2015, Wilder fought Bermane Stiverne for the WBC heavyweight title. The fight took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilder won by a unanimous decision after twelve rounds. The judges scored it 118–109, 119–108, and 120–107.

This win made Wilder the first American heavyweight world champion since Shannon Briggs. It showed critics that Wilder could go the full twelve rounds. After the fight, Wilder dedicated his win to his daughter and to his hero, Muhammad Ali.

Wilder vs. Molina

On June 13, 2015, Wilder defended his title for the first time. He fought Éric Molina in his home state of Alabama. Wilder dominated the fight. He knocked Molina down multiple times. He finally knocked him out in the ninth round.

Wilder praised Molina after the fight. He said Molina showed a lot of heart. Wilder was ahead on all scorecards when the fight was stopped.

Wilder vs. Duhaupas

In September 2015, Wilder defended his title against Johann Duhaupas. The fight was in Alabama. Wilder won by TKO in the eleventh round. Duhaupas was tough and had never been stopped before.

Wilder landed many punches throughout the fight. He was far ahead on the judges' scorecards. Wilder admired Duhaupas's toughness after the fight.

Wilder vs. Szpilka

Deontay Wilder poses with the WBC Championship Belt

On January 16, 2016, Wilder defended his WBC title against Artur Szpilka. The fight was in Brooklyn, New York. Szpilka started strong, winning the first few rounds. Wilder found it hard to land his punches.

In the ninth round, Wilder landed a powerful right hand. Szpilka fell to the canvas. The fight was stopped immediately. Wilder was winning on the scorecards at the time of the knockout.

After the fight, Tyson Fury entered the ring and challenged Wilder. Wilder was concerned for Szpilka's health. He said he wants to knock opponents out but not hurt them. Szpilka recovered and left the ring on a stretcher. This knockout was named "Knockout of The Year."

Wilder vs. Povetkin Cancelled

Wilder was supposed to fight Alexander Povetkin in May 2016 in Russia. This was a highly anticipated fight. However, the fight was postponed. Wilder's team decided not to travel to Moscow.

Wilder vs. Arreola

On July 16, 2016, Wilder fought Chris Arreola in Alabama. Wilder wore white trunks with a portrait of Muhammad Ali. Wilder dominated the fight with his jab. He caused swelling to Arreola's eye.

In the fourth round, Wilder knocked Arreola down. After eight rounds, Arreola's corner stopped the fight. Wilder was far ahead on the scorecards. After the fight, Wilder said he broke his right hand and tore his biceps. These injuries kept him out of boxing for the rest of 2016.

Wilder vs. Washington

Wilder returned to the ring on February 25, 2017. He fought Gerald Washington in Alabama. Wilder won by TKO in round five. Washington started strong, but Wilder stayed calm.

Wilder got Washington against the ropes and landed many power shots. The referee stopped the fight. Wilder said he was patient and found his rhythm. He took advantage when Washington got tired.

Wilder vs. Stiverne II

In November 2017, Wilder fought Bermane Stiverne again. This was a mandatory defense of his WBC title. Wilder won with a powerful first-round knockout. He knocked Stiverne down three times. The referee stopped the fight at the end of the round.

Wilder used his jab to keep Stiverne away. He landed a big right hand that sent Stiverne down. Wilder then landed more punches, and the fight was stopped. After the fight, Wilder challenged Anthony Joshua. He said he was the best champion.

Wilder vs. Ortiz

Wilder fought Luis Ortiz on March 3, 2018. The fight was in Brooklyn, New York. Wilder overcame some tough moments to knock Ortiz out in round ten. He kept his WBC title.

Ortiz started well, landing combinations. Wilder knocked Ortiz down in round five. Ortiz hurt Wilder badly in round seven. Wilder was against the ropes, taking many punches. He survived the round. Wilder recovered in rounds eight and nine. He then knocked Ortiz down twice in round ten, and the fight was stopped.

Wilder praised Ortiz after the fight. He called him a "crafty guy" and said he put up a great fight. Wilder showed he could take a punch and come back.

Wilder vs. Fury

On December 1, 2018, Wilder fought Tyson Fury. The fight was in Los Angeles, California. It ended in a twelve-round split decision draw. This meant Wilder kept his WBC title. Many people thought Fury had done enough to win.

Fury used his unusual style to avoid Wilder's big punches. Wilder landed some good jabs. In round nine, Wilder knocked Fury down with a left hook and a right hand. Fury got up and continued. In round twelve, Wilder knocked Fury down hard again. Everyone thought the fight was over, but Fury got up again. He finished the round on his feet.

Wilder landed fewer punches than Fury in this fight. After the fight, both boxers said they were the best heavyweights. They both challenged Anthony Joshua. The fight was very popular and sold many pay-per-views.

Wilder vs. Breazeale

On May 18, 2019, Wilder defended his WBC title against Dominic Breazeale. Wilder won by knockout in the first round. He landed a powerful right hand that sent Breazeale to the canvas. Breazeale could not continue.

Wilder vs. Ortiz II

Wilder faced Luis Ortiz again on November 23, 2019. This was a rematch of their 2018 fight. Wilder won by knockout in the seventh round. He kept his WBC heavyweight title. Wilder was behind on the judges' scorecards before the knockout.

Wilder praised Ortiz again, calling him "the most dangerous heavyweight." This knockout was named The Ring Magazine Knockout of The Year for 2019. This win was Wilder's tenth successful defense of his title. This tied him with Muhammad Ali for consecutive defenses.

Wilder vs. Fury II

On February 22, 2020, Wilder fought Tyson Fury in a rematch. Wilder weighed his heaviest ever at 231 pounds. Fury also weighed more than in their first fight. Fury knocked Wilder down in the third round. He knocked him down again in the fifth round.

Wilder lost the fight in the seventh round. His trainer threw in the towel, stopping the fight. Wilder lost his WBC heavyweight title. Wilder was behind on the scorecards when the fight was stopped.

After Losing the Title

Wilder vs. Fury III

On October 9, 2021, Wilder had a third fight with Tyson Fury. The fight was in Las Vegas. Both boxers weighed their heaviest for this fight. Fury won the fight by knockout in the eleventh round.

Wilder started well, landing punches in the first round. In the third round, Fury knocked Wilder down. Wilder came back strong in the fourth round and knocked Fury down twice. In the middle rounds, Fury recovered and landed more punches. He hurt Wilder badly. In the tenth round, Fury knocked Wilder down again. Fury then finished the fight in the eleventh round with a clean right hook.

Wilder was behind on all scorecards when the fight was stopped. Many people praised the fight for its action and excitement. Six days later, Wilder thanked his team, fans, and Fury for the "great historical memories."

Wilder vs. Helenius

In October 2022, Wilder had his first fight since losing to Fury. He fought Robert Helenius in Brooklyn, New York. Wilder knocked out Helenius with a short right hand in the first round.

Wilder vs. Parker

On December 23, 2023, Wilder fought Joseph Parker. This was a non-title heavyweight fight in Saudi Arabia. Many people thought this fight would lead to a future match between Wilder and Anthony Joshua.

Parker put on a great performance. He out-boxed Wilder and won the fight by unanimous decision. The judges scored it 118–111, 118–110, and 120–108 for Parker. Parker fought smartly, avoiding Wilder's powerful right hand. He landed many of his own punches. Wilder showed some "ring rust" because he had not fought in 14 months.

After the loss, Wilder said he was happy. He was unsure why he couldn't land his punches. Despite the loss, Wilder said he would not retire. He stated, "This is not the end, we'll be back."

Wilder vs. Zhang

Wilder faced Zhilei Zhang on June 1, 2024. He lost the fight by knockout in the fifth round.

Wilder's Personal Life

Deontay Wilder has eight children. His first child, a daughter, was born in 2005 with spina bifida. He also has other children with his ex-wife and his current fiancée. Wilder has been on a reality TV show called WAGS Atlanta.

Wilder comes from a family of preachers in Alabama. His father and grandmother are preachers. He has three sisters and a younger brother, Marsellos, who is also a professional boxer. Wilder grew up attending church every week. He believes that "God is very important in my life."

Wilder graduated from Tuscaloosa Central High School in 2004. He wanted to play football or basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, the birth of his oldest daughter changed his plans. He attended Shelton State Community College and focused on boxing.

In May 2022, Wilder was honored with a statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The statue is made of bronze, which is a nod to his nickname, "The Bronze Bomber."

In January 2024, Wilder was a contestant on the TV show The Traitors. He left the show after episode 3.

Professional Boxing Record

Pay-per-view Bouts

Images for kids

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  Wilder in 2018

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  Wilder in 2015

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  Deontay Wilder poses with the WBC Championship Belt

See also

In Spanish: Deontay Wilder para niños

• List of world heavyweight boxing champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of Olympic medalists in boxing
• Boxing at the 2008 Summer Olympics