Deontay Wilder: the fighter who fulfilled an American dream
The name of a new champion is on every boxing follower’s lips.
Before Saturday night, it had been eight years since an American lifted a world heavyweight boxing title.
On the 17th of January, 2015, history repeated itself in Las Vegas.
When the judges announced the winner of the fight between Deontay Wilder and Canada’s Bermane Stiverne, it was the 29 year-old American who raised his arms.
Words under this picture: TUSSLE: Deontay Wilder, right, and Bermane stiverne in the heat of battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Words under this picture: Deontay Wilder became the first American heavyweight world champion since 2006.
Prior to defeating Bermane stiverne, Wilder, the man called the “Bronze Bomber” had recorded notable wins over the likes of Owen Beck, Kertson Manswell, Audley Harrison, Siarhei Liakhovich, and Malik Scott.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist boasts a knockout ratio of 96.96%.He is currently undefeated as a professional (33-0, 32 KO’s).
Deontay has been involved in many fights. His most difficult battles dealt him many blows, knocked him down but shaped the Champion that he is today.
What you are about to read is the Inspirational story of Deontay Wilder.
The story behind the Bronze Bomber
Deontay Wilder was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.A on the 22nd of October, 1985.
As a child when his father wasn’t home, Deontay reportedly would take charge of the house over his brothers and sisters – whether control was needed or not.
When there was a play at church – Deontay always liked to play Jesus.
“ He used to always try to stand out,” said Rev. Gary Wilder, Deontay’s father.”
At the age of 19, he graduated from Tuscaloosa Central High School and dreamed of playing American football (wide receiver) or basketball (forward) for his hometown Alabama Crimson Tide.
By 2006, he was working at Red Lobster on the weekends, boxing in the evening and delivering beer for Greene Beverage during the week: all with the goal of supporting his 1-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital spinal disorder and grade issues. He wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to walk.
The Rise & Rise of Deontay Wilder
At 21, Wilder was the assistant to Robbie Hallman, the driver, and they’d deliver between 300 and 1,000 cases of beer a day.
“Sometimes Wilder would push himself to the point of overdoing it. A dolly holds 12 cases of beer, but Wilder would roll in 12 plus three more between his chest and arms. When he would lug 60-pound barrel kegs into a bar, he’d carry one in each hand and walk in doing shoulder shrugs. Whatever it took to get by, Wilder was willing.” Robbie Hallman recounted.
One of Deontay’s short-sighted plans was to fight in barns, backyards, wherever, to make some extra cash. He later heard about a Gym from a friend called Skyy Boxing Gym and this was the beginning of his journey to greatness.
“I’d be lifting kegs, lifting beer, my bodies tired, but when I got to the gym it’s like, this is what I love to do, so I just sucked it up and took care of my body when I got home. It was a struggle.” Wilder recalled.
While he was delivering beer one day, the 6 ft. 7 Tuscaloosa native dug deep and discovered boxing was his calling. He decided to take an extended time off his jobs to compete at the National Golden Gloves and the 2008 Olympics.
This display of heart and courage turned humble beginnings to an American dream fulfilled.
At the Golden Gloves he defeated highly touted cadet world champion Isiah Thomas – a southpaw from Detroit – and David Thompson, of Brooklyn, N.Y in the finals. He qualified for the Olympics by beating Deivis Julio 6:5 Jorge Quinones from Ecuador on double countback and Brazilian Rafael Lima 6:5 at the qualifier. Deontay went on to earn a bronze medal in the Summer Olympics of 2008.
Wilder’s world has changed so much in eight years. His performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday showed how he has evolved to a world class boxer.
He has knocked out everyone he has faced before the Stiverne fight. His rise through the ranks is backed by tireless work and Wilder’s unrelenting will to succeed.
The secret of the new heavyweight Champion
“I don’t accept less for my life, I always had high goals for myself,” Wilder once said in an interview.
Many people set their goal bar too low. They set it where they know they would not struggle to reach it.
Deontay Wilder is a champion today because he always had high goals for himself.
How high are you setting your bar? Raise it a bit higher today and fulfill your dreams.
