Deontay Wilder

In 2009, Deontay Wilder married Jessica Scales. They have two sons and two daughters. Wilder became a father for the first time when he was 19 years old. His daughter Naieya was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the backbone is deformed. Wilder took up boxing to provide money for the treatment of his daughter. Later, Wilder and Scales parted ways.

Wilder is currently engaged to Telli Swift. A baby was born to the couple in February 2018.

Deontay Leshun Wilder was born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Not much is known about his family or childhood. Wilder is of African–American descent.

In 2004, Deontay Wilder graduated from the ‘Tuscaloosa Central High School.’ He dreamed of being a professional footballer or basketball player. Wilder wanted to play for the ‘Alabama Crimson Tide,’ a team from his hometown. However, an early marriage put domestic responsibilities on his shoulders. After the birth of a daughter who suffered from spinal defects, Wilder took up many jobs to support his family. He worked as a driver for the ‘Greene Beverage Company.’ He also gave up his academic dreams. Wilder chose boxing as a means of earning money.

In October 2005, Deontay Wilder started his amateur boxing career when he joined ‘Skyy Boxing Gym’ in Northport, Alabama. He trained under Jay Deas.

In 2007, Wilder entered the ‘National Golden Gloves’ competition. He defeated David Thompson and the world champion, Isiah Thomas.

The same year, Wilder participated in the ‘US Amateur Boxing Championship’ and defeated Quantis Graves. He won the championship by defeating James Zimmerman from California. He won the ‘Olympic Games’ trials in 21 bouts, by defeating Quantis Graves.

In 2008, Wilder recorded his career-best score by defeating Rakhim Chakhiyev from Russia. Chakhiyev was the silver medalist in the world championship. Wilder qualified for the 2008 ‘Summer Olympics’ and competed in the heavyweight category. He defeated Abdelaziz Touilbini of Algeria and Mohamed Arjaoui of Morocco. In the semi-finals, Wilder lost to Clemente Russo of Italy and became the bronze medalist. He had an average amateur record of 30-5.

On November 15, 2008, Wilder made his debut in professional boxing, at the ‘Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium’ in Tennessee. He knocked out Ethan Cox in the second round. In 2009, Wilder fought seven matches and won all of them in the first round. By October 2012, Wilder had set an impressive record in his boxing career. He had won 25 matches, and most of them were won within four rounds.