TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (BVM) – Deontay Wilder, “The Bronze Bomber”, stands at 6-foot-7 and competes in the heavyweight division. The heavyweight division of boxing is for boxers weighing at least 200 lbs. Wilder dreamed of being a football player for the Alabama Crimson Tide, however, his plans were pushed aside by the birth of his first daughter. Wilder enrolled at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and began to focus on his boxing career at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Ala. 

Wilder began his amateur career by winning the National Golden Gloves and the U.S National Championships in the heavyweight division in 2007. Wilder would qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, where he was defeated in the semi-final and awarded bronze, bringing his amateur record to 30 wins and five losses. A very impressive start to his career. 

Later in 2008, Wilder made his professional debut in Nashville, Tenn., where he would win by TKO in the second round against Ethan Cox. In 2009, Wilder won seven fights in a row, all decided in the first round and all by TKO. Wilder was beginning to gain popularity and was known for his powerful strikes. From 2009-2012, Wilder had a 25-fight win streak. It isn’t very often that a boxer wins by TKO in almost every bout, especially in the first round. 

Making a Name

On Jan. 17, 2015, Wilder would face Bermane Stiverne for the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., where he won by unanimous decision after the twelfth round. On May 8, 2015 Wilder would defend his title in his home state of Alabama against Eric Molina in Birmingham. The event drew a sellout crowd of 9,347 attendees. Wilder won the bout and earned $1.4 million. Later in 2015, Wilder would defend the title against Johann Duhaupas by TKO in the eleventh round, once again in front of a home crowd in Birmingham, Ala. He would defend the title for a third time against Artur Szpilka in New York City at the Barclays Center. Again, in 2016 Wilder defended the title for a fourth time against Chris Areola in Birmingham, Ala. 

Wilder would go on to defend the title four more times. Wilder was rising through the ranks of the Boxing world by raking up win after win. Wilder was beginning to be a more recognizable name in the world of boxing by gathering quality TKO wins against noteworthy opponents in title-defending bouts. 

The Main Stage

After months of negotiations, Wilder and Tyson Fury would fight at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, Calif. One of the most well-known venues in the world. Wilder would earn a guaranteed $4 million for the fight. The fight took place on Dec. 1, 2018. Leading up to the fight there was lots of media coverage due to Tyson Fury entering the ring after Wilder had defeated his title against Szpilka in 2015. The fight would go the distance of 12 rounds. The judges ruled the fight a draw, which meant Wilder would retain his heavyweight title and each boxer would split the purse, bringing in $14 million for Wilder after pay-per-view revenue. Wilder was gaining the global spotlight and more media attention. 

Wilder would defend his title two more times before the announcement of a rematch against Tyson Fury was released. Just like the first fight there was a lot of media coverage as Wilder and Fury are considered two of the top boxers in the world. Additionally, the decision made by the judges for a draw was debated to be controversial, and both boxers wanted an official winner. 

Wilder and Fury fought at the MGM Grand Arena in Paradise, Nev., however, Fury won in the seventh round by TKO. Wilder was knocked down twice before Wilder’s assistant trainer threw a towel in the ring during the seventh round, signaling to end the bout. Wilder’s head trainer did not agree with the choice that the assistant trainer made to end the bout. Wilder was guaranteed nearly $25 million in earnings for the bout before pay-per-view revenue.

Wilder wanted to be an Alabama Crimson Tide football player but pursued a career elsewhere. Wilder had started all the way at the bottom at a local gym in Northport, Ala., and worked all the way to the top of the boxing world while facing adversity and life obstacles in the process. He is currently renowned as one of the best boxers on the planet, known for his powerful strikes and ability to knock out opponents. Wilder has earned millions of dollars over the course of his career thus far. Wilder will face Fury for the third time next month at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. and looks to take back the WBC Heavyweight title.