Deontay Wilder is currently the hot topic in news. After casually issuing death threats to his opponent, he has got himself into boiling hot water.
There is not much known about the American professional boxer but there is much to say ever since his involvement in the boxing world. The world is not a stranger to his achievements – world’s second best active heavyweight, third best by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and The Ring magazine. He is the 14th longest reigning world heavyweight champion of all time, and has the 9th longest combined and individual title streaks in modern heavyweight boxing history at eight and seven title bouts, respectively.
But do you much about the boxer outside the ring?
The Bronze Bomber
Deontay gave himself the nickname “The Bronze Bomber” (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/bronzebomber)
Sounds familiar? That’s because it is coined after Joe Louis’ nickname “The Brown Bomber”. Deontay came up with the “The Bronze Bomber” for himself after winning the bronze medal as an amateur at the 2008 Olympics.
Path to boxing
Deontay Wilder, the boxer (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/bronzebomber)
Initially, Deontay hoped for a career in football (as a wide receiver) or in basketball (as a forward). Boxing became an option when his first child and eldest daughter, Naieya Wilder was born in 2005 with spina bifida (incomplete closing of the spine and membranes around the spinal cord during early development). To be able to provide to his family, Wilder started his amateur boxing career when he joined ‘Skyy Boxing Gym’ in Northport, Alabama. He trained under Jay Deas.
Family life
Deontay Wilder and family (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/bronzebomber)
Deontay Wilder had his eldest daughter with ex-girlfriend Helen Duncan. After that, he got involved with Jessica Scales-Wilder and the two got married in 2009 but divorced later. They are parents to two daughters and one son. Wilder is currently engaged to and has a child with Telli Swift.
Author of a children’s book
Wilder is the first heavyweight champion to publish a children’s book (Photo Courtesy – Instagram/route30promo)
Deontay is also the first heavyweight champion to publish a children’s book! “Deontay the Future World Champ” is a story based on his life to inspire the next generation of children. Released in 2015, the book is about determination, eating right and exercising every day in order to achieve your goals.
