Deontay Wilder

The Bronze Bomber — the hardest puncher in heavyweight history and WBC champion for five years.

Deontay Leshun Wilder was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1985. He took up boxing relatively late at 20, motivated by wanting to fund his daughter Naieya's medical treatment for spina bifida. He won the Olympic bronze medal at Beijing 2008 — competing only three years after starting boxing. He turned professional in 2008. He won the WBC heavyweight title in 2015, becoming the first American heavyweight world champion since Shannon Briggs in 2007. His knockout percentage — 42 knockouts from 47 victories — is the highest in heavyweight championship history. His right hand, nicknamed the Bronze Bomb, is considered the most powerful single punch in the sport's modern era. His trilogy with Tyson Fury produced three of the most discussed heavyweight bouts in decades — Fury knocking him down in his first fight before Wilder knocked Fury down twice in a first-fight draw; Fury stopping him in the seventh round of his rematch; Fury stopping him again in 11 rounds in the trilogy. His combination of exceptional punching power with technical limitations — his footwork and combination punching were criticised throughout his career — made him the most explosive fighter in the sport despite losing both rematches.

Tall orthodox boxer with exceptional knockout power

One of the most feared punchers in heavyweight boxing history

• WBC Heavyweight Championship (2015–2020, 2021)
• Bronze Medal (Olympics 2008)