Deontay Wilder

Deontay Leshun Wilder (born October 22, 1985) is an American professional boxer who held the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. Winning the title made him the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007, ending the longest period in boxing history without an American heavyweight champion. Known for his exceptional punching power, Wilder has been described as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. He holds a 95.55% knockout-to-win percentage—the highest in heavyweight championship history—with 20 of his knockouts (48%) occurring in the first round.

Wilder graduated from Tuscaloosa Central High School in 2004. He initially dreamed of playing football as a wide receiver or basketball as a forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but poor grades and the birth of his oldest daughter led him to attend Shelton State Community College and pursue a career in boxing. During this period, Wilder struggled with depression and briefly contemplated suicide before reflecting on the emotional impact it would cause for his family and children.

Wilder began boxing at age 20 in October 2005 at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama, training under Jay Deas. In 2007, he won both the National Golden Gloves and the U.S. championships in the 201-pound division. After winning the U.S. Olympic trials in just 21 bouts, he competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the heavyweight division. This achievement inspired his nickname "the Bronze Bomber," which he coined after Joe Louis, who was known as "the Brown Bomber." Wilder completed his amateur career with an approximate record of 30–5.

Wilder made his professional boxing debut in November 2008, defeating Ethan Cox by second-round technical knockout. By October 2012, he accumulated a 25-fight winning streak, with every fight ending by knockout within four rounds. He secured his first professional title in December 2012 by knocking out Kelvin Price to capture the vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title. He later recorded notable first-round knockout victories over Audley Harrison, Siarhei Liakhovich, and Malik Scott.

On January 17, 2015, Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision after twelve rounds to win the WBC heavyweight title. Dedicating the victory to his disabled daughter and Muhammad Ali, Wilder demonstrated his ability to box the full distance. He made his first title defense in Alabama in June 2015, defeating Eric Molina by ninth-round knockout, followed by an eleventh-round technical knockout victory over Johann Duhaupas in September 2015. He subsequently agreed to terms to defend his title against Artur Szpilka in Brooklyn, New York.

Wilder's career achievements include being a three-time winner of the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award, receiving the honor in 2016, 2017, and 2019. He was also awarded the Ring magazine Knockout of the Year award in 2019.