Deontay Wilder’s Mother Declares It’s Time to Celebrate His Illustrious Career

Deontay Wilder’s mother, Deborah Wilder, sent her son a heartfelt message after he suffered a brutal fifth-round knockout against Zhilei Zhang. “I texted him and said, ‘Son, we’re having a party for you,’” Deborah told USA TODAY Sports. “You gave us the best boxing in the USA when boxing was dead. You’ve gotten older. You’ve run your course in your journey. It’s time to celebrate.”

Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, did not address the media in Saudi Arabia following his fourth defeat in his past five fights. Deborah Wilder mentioned that she had not spoken to him since the fight. Leading up to the bout, the 38-year-old boxer had indicated he might retire if he lost.

A powerful right hand from Zhang, the 6-foot-6, 283-pound boxer from China, ended the bout at 1:51 of the fifth round and likely concluded Wilder’s sterling career. Wilder’s accomplishments are notable: he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and in 2015 became the first American heavyweight champion since 2007. He held the belt until 2020.

Wilder’s record stands at 43-4-1, with 42 knockouts – many of them highlight-reel quality. “He brought back boxing to the USA, and we enjoyed all those knockouts,” Deborah Wilder said. “I taped them and I’m going to look back at them. We’re going to laugh, we’re going to cry. But we’re going to be happy.”

In addition to his legacy as a boxer, Deontay Wilder is a husband and father of eight children. He grew up poor in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, but now he’s a wealthy man. Deborah Wilder urged her son to enjoy his life now and to “teach other young men how to become a champion.”

As Wilder’s career likely comes to an end, his contributions to boxing and his story of perseverance and success remain a source of inspiration.