Bronze Bomber

Daniel Mukenya

Deontay Leshun Wilder is an American professional boxer. He held the World Boxing Council heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. On January 17, 2015, Wilder fought Stiverne at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for the WBC heavyweight title. After 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 is known for his exceptional punching power, knocking out every opponent he has defeated and is considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. Wilder, 39, made his professional debut at the age of 23. He has lost four of his last five fights dating back to 2020, but the knockout artist still believes he still has it in him to fight. This means he won’t be hanging up his gloves just yet.

“He definitely wants to fight again,” Malik Scott, Wilder’s trainer, told media at the Brickhouse Boxing Club, where he trains. “Some good things should happen in 2025. For now, Deontay is just resting and focusing on his family and his business. When you’re in the second half of your career and you’re in high-level fights with bigger guys, rest is just as important as sprinting and running.” Malik Scott added.

In June, “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in five rounds. He also suffered a unanimous decision loss to Joseph Parker in December in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In both fights he failed to land a lethal right hook.

Scott, a former heavyweight contender with a record of 38-3-1 from 200 to 2016, also had a message for those pushing for Wilder and Joshua to retire after brutal knockout defeats and brutal wars in recent years and accumulation age.

“Just come and enjoy the show,” Scott said. “If you really want them to retire, don’t listen to them fight. Don’t pay your hard earned money and go into battle. This is just hypocrisy. I understand all aspects of this. I understand the fans, the fighters, the managers and the promoters. Just be respectful to the fighters.”