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Deontay Wilder is one of the most powerful punchers in boxing history. Known as “The Bronze Bomber,” he has captivated fans with his knockout ability and explosive style. This article explores his life, career, and achievements, covering everything from his early days to his net worth.

Deontay Wilder biography

Full name Deontay Leshun Wilder. He was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, and grew up in a humble household, while being faced by many challenges as a child. 

Wilder comes from a deeply religious family in Alabama. His father and grandmother were both preachers, and he grew up attending church every week. He has three sisters and a younger brother, Marsellos Wilder, who is also a professional boxer. Marsellos last fought in 2022 in the cruiserweight division. Wilder has often spoken about his strong Christian faith, saying, “God is very important in my life.”

Wilder graduated from Tuscaloosa Central High School in 2004 where he dreamt of playing basketball or football for his hometown Alabama Crimson Tide. However, he had to attend nearby Shelton State Community College and put his dream on hold when he became a father at a young age, after his daughter, Naieya, was born with spina bifida, a serious medical condition. 

To provide for her, Wilder took several jobs, including working as a truck driver and at a restaurant. He later discovered boxing at the age of 20, a late start compared to most fighters. However, his natural athletic ability and strong work ethic helped him rise quickly in the amateur ranks. 

In just two years, he became one of the top amateur boxers in the country, earning a spot in the 2008 Olympics, where he won a bronze medal. 

Where is Deontay Wilder from?

Wilder hails from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a small city in the southern United States. Growing up, he faced financial struggles but remained determined to build a better future. His strong work ethic and perseverance helped him overcome hardships and become a world-class athlete.

A statue has been built for him in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Deontay Wilder age (How old is Deontay Wilder?)

As of 2025, Deontay Wilder is 39 years old. Born on October 22,1985, he has spent over a decade rocking the boxing world.

Deontay Wilder height (How tall is Deontay Wilder?)

Wilder stands at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall. His height gives him a significant reach advantage in fights, allowing him to land powerful punches from a distance. This physical attribute, combined with his speed and power, makes him a dangerous opponent in the ring.

Deontay Wilder amateur career

Wilder’s amateur boxing career was relatively short but highly impactful. Unlike many elite boxers who start training at a young age, Wilder only took up boxing at the age of 20 in 2005. Despite his late start, he quickly showed immense potential, training at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama, under coach Jay Deas.

In 2007, Wilder shocked the amateur boxing scene by winning the National Golden Gloves and the U.S. National Championships in the heavyweight division. His raw power and athleticism made up for his lack of experience, allowing him to defeat more seasoned opponents. That same year, he secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic boxing team after winning the Olympic trials.

With a record of approximately 30-5 as an amateur, Wilder was not the most technically polished fighter, but his devastating right hand and exceptional physical attributes set him apart. His most significant achievement as an amateur came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight category, earning him the nickname “The Bronze Bomber.”

Deontay Wilder professional career

Wilder turned professional in 2008 after winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. He quickly gained a reputation for his incredible punching power, knocking out most of his opponents in the early rounds. His professional debut came on November 15, 2008, when he defeated Ethan Cox by second-round knockout.

Wilder’s rise through the heavyweight ranks was rapid. He won his first 32 fights, all by knockout, making him one of the most feared punchers in boxing. His power and athleticism made up for his lack of technical skill, and he continued to dominate opponents with his signature right hand.

In 2015, Wilder fought for his first world title against Bermane Stiverne for the WBC heavyweight championship. Unlike his previous fights, this one went the full 12 rounds, but Wilder won by unanimous decision, becoming the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade. This victory proved he could go the distance and fight strategically.

As champion, Wilder defended his WBC title multiple times, defeating top contenders like Luis Ortiz and Dominic Breazeale. His most famous fights came against Tyson Fury. The two first fought in 2018, ending in a controversial draw after Wilder knocked Fury down twice. They had two rematches, with Fury defeating Wilder in 2020 and 2021, ending his long title reign.

Despite these losses, Wilder remains one of the hardest-hitting heavyweights in history. His record features an incredibly high knockout percentage, proving his ability to end fights with a single punch. He continues to be a top contender in the division, with fans eager to see if he can reclaim a world title before retiring.

Deontay Wilder record

Wilder has built an impressive professional boxing record, known for his devastating knockout power. As of 2024, his record stands at 43 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 42 of his wins coming by knockout. This gives him one of the highest knockout percentages in heavyweight history.

Wilder started his career with a stunning 32-fight knockout streak, stopping every opponent within the first few rounds. His biggest win came in 2015 when he defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision to claim the WBC heavyweight title. He successfully defended the belt 10 times, beating challengers like Luis Ortiz, Dominic Breazeale, and Chris Arreola.

Deontay Wilder losses 

Wilder’s toughest battles came against Tyson Fury in their famous trilogy. Their first fight in 2018 ended in a dramatic draw, but Fury won the rematches in 2020 and 2021, handing Wilder his first professional defeats.

Wilder later returned to the ring with a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius in 2022 but lost to Joseph Parker in 2023. He tried to make a return in 2024, but he lost again to Zhilei Zhang.

Despite these setbacks, Wilder remains a dangerous force in the heavyweight division.

Deontay Wilder wife

Wilder is engaged to Telli Swift, a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and former nurse. The couple has been together for several years and got engaged in 2018. Telli is known for appearing on the reality show “WAGS Atlanta”, which follows the lives of athletes’ wives and girlfriends.

Before Telli, Wilder was married to Jessica Scales, with whom he has three children, two daughters and a son. After their divorce, he and Telli built a strong relationship, often sharing their life on social media. Telli also runs a charity organization and supports Wilder’s boxing career. 

Deontay Wilder daughter

Wilder’s daughter with his ex-girlfriend Helen Duncan was born in 2005 with spina bifida. He also has two more daughters and one son with his ex-wife Jessica Scales-Wilder. In total, Wilder is a father to eight children.

Deontay Wilder net worth

Wilder has an estimated net worth of $30 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. He has earned significant money from his fights, with purses ranging from $1.5 million to $4 million per fight. His biggest payout came in Wilder vs. Fury II when he pocketed $112,900,000. Besides boxing, Wilder has other income streams, including endorsements and sponsorships.