Deontay Leshun Wilder is an American professional boxer. He held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, making 10 successful defences. By winning the title, Wilder became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007, which was the longest period of time in boxing history without an American heavyweight champion.

Wilder had a late start to boxing, taking up the sport at 20 years of age. As an amateur, he won a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 2008 Olympics. This led to his nickname “The Bronze Bomber”, which Wilder coined after Joe Louis, who was known by the nickname of “The Brown Bomber”.

Wilder is known for his exceptional punching power, having knocked out every opponent he has defeated. His knockout-to-win percentage stands at 97.61%, with 20 knockouts in the first round. He is a three-time winner of the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award (2016, 2017, 2019) and a winner of the Ring magazine Knockout of the Year award (2019).

Deontay Wilder Parents: Meet Gary Wilder and Deborah Wilder

Boxer Deontay Wilder was born to his parents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on 22 October 1985. He is one of four children of Deborah and Gary Wilder.

Wilder was raised in a middle-class household with typical Christian beliefs and surroundings. Earlier, the heavyweight champion stated that he used to visit the church every week, whether he intended to or not.

When Deontay was nine years old, his mother abandoned the family, leaving father Gary all the responsibility of the home.

The 6’6″ minister, who makes a small living as a heavy equipment operator, suddenly had to take care of cooking, cleaning, clothing, and caring for his children. Gary also constantly worked hard to assist his kids in improving their abilities.

Deontay found it challenging to uphold his father’s teachings of peace as children usually teased the gangly boy for sporting hand-me-downs and wearing Wal-Mart trainers.

His mother, Deborah, made it possible for Deontay to travel to China for the 2008 Olympics. She had even travelled to China with her son to cheer him up.