Deontay Leshun Wilder, born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S., is an American professional boxer who has left an indelible mark on the heavyweight division. Known by his moniker “The Bronze Bomber,” a homage to Joe Louis’ “The Brown Bomber,” Wilder’s career is highlighted by his tenure as the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion from 2015 to 2020.
You can follow Deontay Wilder’s net worth, prize money, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Deontay Wilder’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Deontay Leshun Wilder |
| Nickname | The Bronze Bomber |
| Birth Date | October 22, 1985 |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) |
| Weight | Heavyweight |
| Birthplace | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| College | Shelton State Community College |
| Turned Professional | 2008 |
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Girlfriend | Telli Swift |
| Ex-Wife | Jessica Scales (2009 – 2017) |
| Instagram Profile | @bronzebomber |
Early Career
Deontay Wilder’s early boxing career is a story of resilience, determination, and rapid success. Born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Wilder initially aspired to play professional football or basketball.
However, the birth of his daughter Naieya, who was born with spina bifida, shifted his priorities. To support his family, Wilder took up boxing at the relatively late age of 20 in 2005, training under Jay Deas at Skyy Boxing Gym in Northport, Alabama.
Despite his late start, Wilder quickly excelled as an amateur. In 2007, he won the National Golden Gloves and the U.S. Championships in the heavyweight division by defeating more experienced opponents. His amateur career culminated in a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, earning him the nickname “The Bronze Bomber.” This achievement highlighted his raw talent and marked him as a rising star in the sport.
Wilder transitioned to professional boxing on November 15, 2008, at age 23. He debuted with a second-round TKO victory over Ethan Cox. From there, he built an impressive record of 25 consecutive knockout wins by October 2012, all within four rounds.
His power and aggressive style quickly gained attention in the boxing world. Wilder claimed his first professional title on December 15, 2012, by knocking out Kelvin Price to win the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.
Wilder’s early career showcased his meteoric rise from a novice boxer to a dominant force in the heavyweight division. His journey was fueled by a combination of natural athleticism, an unrelenting work ethic, and a deep motivation to provide for his family. These traits laid the foundation for his later success as a world champion.
Professional Career
Deontay Wilder’s professional career is marked by his explosive power, record-breaking achievements, and high-profile rivalries. After debuting on November 15, 2008, with a second-round TKO against Ethan Cox, Wilder quickly built a reputation as a devastating knockout artist.
By October 2012, he had amassed a perfect 25-0 record, all wins by knockout within four rounds. This streak included victories over experienced fighters like Owen Beck and Damon Reed, showcasing his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Wilder’s career reached new heights on January 17, 2015, when he defeated Bermane Stiverne to claim the WBC heavyweight title. The unanimous decision victory made him the first American heavyweight champion since 2007.
Wilder successfully defended his title ten times between 2015 and 2020, defeating notable opponents such as Luis Ortiz (twice), Dominic Breazeale, and Artur Szpilka. His first fight with Tyson Fury in December 2018 ended in a dramatic split-decision draw, with Wilder retaining his belt after knocking Fury down twice.
However, Wilder’s reign ended in February 2020 when he lost to Tyson Fury in their rematch via a seventh-round TKO. A trilogy fight followed in October 2021, where Fury again emerged victorious with an eleventh-round knockout in one of the most thrilling heavyweight bouts of recent years. Despite these setbacks, Wilder rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Robert Helenius in October 2022.
In recent years, Wilder has faced challenges against top-tier opponents like Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, suffering losses but continuing to compete at a high level. With a professional record of 43 wins (42 by knockout), four losses, and one draw as of February 2025, Wilder remains one of the most feared punchers in boxing history.
His legacy is defined by his incredible knockout power and his contributions to revitalizing American heavyweight boxing.
Wife
Deontay Wilder has been engaged to Telli Swift since 2018, though their relationship has faced significant challenges in recent years. Telli Swift, born Shuntel Swift, is a model, actress, and former nurse who gained fame through the reality TV show WAGS Atlanta.
She and Wilder first met at an airport in Los Angeles in 2015 and began dating shortly after. The couple shares a daughter, Kaorii Lee Wilder, born in 2018. Swift also has a son, Kerron, from a previous relationship, while Wilder has four children from his previous marriage to Jessica Scales, which ended in 2017.
Their engagement was initially marked by public displays of affection and mutual support, with Wilder often referring to Swift as his best friend and soulmate. However, their relationship took a troubling turn in 2024 when Swift filed for a temporary restraining order against Wilder. She accused him of physical and emotional abuse over several years, including incidents of choking and other violent behavior.
These allegations surfaced following Wilder’s struggles in the boxing ring and personal life, with Swift attributing some of his behavior to deteriorating mental health. The restraining order required Wilder to maintain distance from Swift and their daughter until further court proceedings.
Despite their earlier plans for marriage, the future of their relationship remains uncertain due to these serious allegations. Wilder has not publicly commented extensively on the claims, but the situation has cast a shadow over his personal life and career.
Ex-Wife
Deontay Wilder was previously married to Jessica Scales-Wilder. The couple got married in 2009 and lasted until their divorce in 2017. They had four children together during their marriage. Jessica Scales-Wilder has maintained a relatively low profile, especially after their separation.
Deontay Wilder’s Net Worth Details
Deontay Wilder’s net worth is estimated to be $30 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional boxer, endorsements, and other sources.
Career Earnings
| Fight/Opponent | Year | Earnings | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyson Fury (1st fight) | 2018 | $10 million | Includes $4 million base purse and PPV revenue. |
| Dominic Breazeale | 2019 | $10 million | First-round knockout victory. |
| Luis Ortiz (2nd fight) | 2019 | $23 million | $3 million base purse + $20 million for the rematch. |
| Tyson Fury (2nd fight) | 2020 | $28 million | Includes guaranteed purse and PPV revenue. |
| Tyson Fury (3rd fight) | 2021 | $20 million | Guaranteed purse + 40% of PPV revenue. |
| Robert Helenius | 2022 | $20 million | First-round knockout win. |
| Joseph Parker | 2023 | $10 million | Estimated earnings for the bout. |
| Anthony Joshua (2 fights) | 2024 | $40–$50 million total | Projected earnings for two confirmed fights against Joshua. |
Career Totals
- Pre-Tyson Fury Era: Around $1 million per fight.
- Post-Tyson Fury Era: Over $90 million from six major fights.
- Estimated Career Earnings: Over $100 million as of 2025.
These figures highlight Wilder’s financial growth, particularly after his high-profile trilogy with Tyson Fury.
Endorsements
Deontay Wilder has built a significant portfolio of endorsements throughout his career, adding to his financial success outside the boxing ring. He has partnered with several prominent brands, including Everlast Boxing, PureKana CBD, and Raising Cane’s, earning an estimated $500,000 from these deals.
Wilder has also collaborated with luxury brands like Versace and Thom Browne, further cementing his status as a global sports icon. Additionally, he promoted D’Telli Fragrances and 811 Originals on social media, showcasing his influence beyond the sport.
One of Wilder’s notable partnerships was with Rhum Barbancourt, Haiti’s best-selling rum. This collaboration aimed to promote Haitian culture and excellence globally, aligning with Wilder’s image as a resilient and disciplined champion. The partnership was announced ahead of his high-profile trilogy fight with Tyson Fury in 2021, highlighting his appeal to international audiences.
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 48 |
| Wins | 43 |
| Wins by Knockout (KOs) | 42 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Losses by KO/TKO | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Knockout Percentage | 97% |
| World Titles Won | 1 (WBC Heavyweight) |
| Title Defenses | 10 |
FAQs
1. Who is Deontay Wilder?
Deontay Wilder is an American professional boxer born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, becoming the first American heavyweight champion in nine years. Known as “The Bronze Bomber,” he has one of the highest knockout-to-win ratios in boxing history.
2. What is Deontay Wilder’s boxing record?
Deontay Wilder’s professional record is 43 wins (42 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw. He is renowned for his exceptional punching power and has successfully defended his WBC title ten times during his career.
3. Why is Deontay Wilder called “The Bronze Bomber”?
Wilder adopted the nickname “The Bronze Bomber” after winning a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 2008 Olympics. The name also pays homage to Joe Louis, who was known as “The Brown Bomber.”
4. What are some of Deontay Wilder’s career highlights?
Wilder’s career highlights include winning the WBC heavyweight title in 2015 by defeating Bermane Stiverne and defending it ten times. He also had a notable trilogy with Tyson Fury, drawing the first fight and losing the next two bouts.
5. What is Deontay Wilder’s net worth?
As of recent estimates, Deontay Wilder’s net worth is approximately $30 million. His wealth comes from boxing purses, endorsements, and investments in luxury real estate and automobiles.
6. What training methods does Deontay Wilder use?
Wilder incorporates agility drills, plyometrics, weight training, swimming, and sparring into his routine. He emphasizes flexibility and mobility to maintain stamina and movement in the ring.
7. How many children does Deontay Wilder have?
Deontay Wilder has eight children. His eldest daughter inspired him to pursue boxing after being diagnosed with spina bifida, which motivated him to provide a better life for his family.
8. What controversies has Deontay Wilder faced?
Wilder has been involved in controversies such as accusing Tyson Fury of glove tampering during their fights. Additionally, legal issues arose from domestic violence allegations made by his fiancée, Telli Swift.
9. Who are Deontay Wilder’s most notable opponents?
Wilder’s most notable opponents include Tyson Fury, Bermane Stiverne, Luis Ortiz, and Joseph Parker. His trilogy with Fury remains one of the most talked-about rivalries in modern boxing.
10. Is Deontay Wilder planning a comeback?
Yes, Deontay Wilder is reportedly preparing for a return to the ring in 2025 after recent losses to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker. He aims to secure high-profile fights before potentially retiring from boxing.
