Fiancée of Deontay Wilder Obtains Restraining Order Amid Abuse Allegations

Shuntel “Telli” Swift, fiancée of boxer Deontay Wilder, has been granted a temporary restraining order after alleging that Wilder has physically assaulted her at least 10 times since their relationship began in 2015. According to the request filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Swift detailed that Wilder’s mental health has deteriorated during his struggles in the boxing ring, contributing to his abusive behavior.

Swift reported that some of the assaults occurred in front of their 6-year-old daughter and her son. The restraining order mandates that Wilder stay at least 100 yards away from Swift and their daughter. 

Swift expressed fear for her safety upon Wilder’s return from his recent loss against Zilhei Zhang in Saudi Arabia. According to her request, Wilder possesses a minimum of 12 guns, including a machine gun, an assault rifle, and a Glock. Wilder was required to sell or turn in these firearms to law enforcement within 24 hours of receiving the restraining order.

Over the last four years, Swift said Wilder’s mental health has declined, especially after his first professional loss to Tyson Fury on February 22, 2020. She stated that Wilder became increasingly angry and refused to seek therapy. His behavior reportedly worsened after a second loss to Fury on October 9, 2021, which left him emotionally unstable and frequently crying and yelling at home.

Swift described Wilder as more emotionally abusive since his loss to Joseph Parker in December, stating that she has been suffering in silence due to his aggressive and controlling behavior. On May 31 in Saudi Arabia, Wilder was knocked out in the fifth round by Zhang, marking his fourth defeat in the past five fights.

In court records, Swift recounted that Wilder has physically assaulted her at least five times and choked her at least five times, leaving painful bruises. She noted the significant size difference between them, with Wilder standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, compared to her 5-foot-4 and 150 pounds. Swift also alleged that Wilder attacked her son, Kerron, on two occasions, including once when Wilder slammed Kerron’s head against Swift’s car.

Swift claimed that the last physical attack on her took place in 2020, but Wilder’s emotional abuse has continued to escalate. She mentioned that Wilder recently threatened to evict her from one of their homes while she was recovering from surgery. Swift stated that she has tried to leave Wilder during fights, but he would not let her. In 2017, while three months pregnant, Wilder allegedly hid her house and car keys to prevent her from leaving.

Swift emphasized the need for a domestic violence restraining order to protect herself and her children from Wilder, whom she described as “unpredictable.” She noted that the situation has worsened since April due to Wilder’s mistaken belief that she was having an affair. Swift also mentioned finding photos of Wilder with multiple women, alleging infidelities on his part, and stated that Wilder demands sex from her three times a day. The restraining order expires on June 25, the date of the court hearing regarding the matter.