Deontay Wilder's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Deontay Wilder. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Deontay Leshun Wilder is an American professional boxer best known for holding the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. His win ended a significant drought for American boxers, marking him as the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007. This victory ended the longest period in boxing history without an American heavyweight champion.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: First American World Heavyweight Champion Since 2007

In 2007, Deontay Wilder became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007, ending the longest period without an American holding the title in boxing history.

2007: National Golden Gloves and U.S. Championships Wins

In 2007, Deontay Wilder won both the National Golden Gloves and the U.S. championships at 201 lb (91 kg).

2008: Won Olympic Trials and Qualified for Olympics

In early 2008, Deontay Wilder won the Olympic trials and qualified for the Olympics by defeating Deivis Julio and Rafael Lima, after also edging out Rakhim Chakhiyev in Russia.

October 2012: 25-Fight Win Streak by October 2012

By October 2012, Deontay Wilder had achieved a 25-fight win streak, winning all by knockout and within four rounds, including notable stoppages against Owen Beck, DeAndrey Abron, and Damon Reed.

December 15, 2012: Won WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title

On December 15, 2012, Deontay Wilder knocked out Kelvin Price to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title at the Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

August 9, 2013: Knocked Out Siarhei Liakhovich

On August 9, 2013, Deontay Wilder knocked out Siarhei Liakhovich in the first round at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California. Liakhovich later protested the outcome.

August 2014: Defeated Jason Gavern by TKO

In August 2014, Deontay Wilder defeated Jason Gavern by TKO after Gavern's corner threw in the towel after round four at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

January 17, 2015: Won WBC Heavyweight Title

On January 17, 2015, Deontay Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision to win the WBC heavyweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, becoming the first American heavyweight world champion since Shannon Briggs. After the fight, Wilder dedicated his win to his disabled daughter and Muhammad Ali.

2015: Won WBC Heavyweight Title

In 2015, Deontay Wilder won the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title, marking a significant career milestone.

January 16, 2016: Wilder Defeats Szpilka by Knockout

On January 16, 2016, Deontay Wilder defeated Artur Szpilka by knockout in the ninth round, retaining his WBC title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Wilder earned $1.5 million, while Szpilka got $250,000. The fight averaged 500,000 viewers and peaked at 623,000 viewers.

July 16, 2016: Wilder Defeats Arreola, Suffers Injuries

On July 16, 2016, Deontay Wilder defeated Chris Arreola via TKO after eight rounds at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Wilder broke his right hand and tore his biceps during the fight. Wilder earned $1.4 million to Arreola's $150,000. The fight averaged 1.8 million viewers on FOX.

2016: Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year (2016)

In 2016, Deontay Wilder won the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award.

February 14, 2017: Wilder Wins Lawsuit Over Fight Cancellation

On February 14, 2017, Deontay Wilder won $7 million plus legal fees in court over the cancellation of the fight against Alexander Povetkin.

2017: Wilder defeats Washington

In 2017, Deontay Wilder defeated Gerald Washington by TKO in round five in front of a hometown crowd. Washington earned $250,000 and Wilder earned $900,000. The fight averaged 1.76 million viewers.

2017: Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year (2017)

In 2017, Deontay Wilder won the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award.

May 18, 2019: Wilder Defeats Breazeale

On May 18, 2019, Deontay Wilder defended his WBC heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale via knockout in the first round.

November 23, 2019: Wilder vs. Ortiz Rematch

On November 23, 2019, Deontay Wilder faced Luis Ortiz again, winning by seventh-round knockout to retain his WBC heavyweight title.

2019: Knockout of the Year Awards (2019)

In 2019, Deontay Wilder won both the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award and The Ring magazine Knockout of the Year award.

May 2022: Wilder honored with a statue.

In May 2022, Deontay Wilder was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in homage to his nickname, "The Bronze Bomber".

October 15, 2022: Wilder vs. Helenius Fight

On October 15, 2022, Deontay Wilder fought against Robert Helenius, Wilder knocked out Helenius with a short right hand at 2:57 of the first round.

2022: Wilder's win since 2022

June 27, 2025 marked Wilder's first win since 2022, after dropping Herndon twice before stopping him in the seventh round.

October 2023: Wilder stops Robert Helenius.

In October 2023, Deontay Wilder stopped Robert Helenius in round one, marking his last fight before the bout against Joseph Parker.

June 27, 2025: Wilder defeats Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.

On June 27, 2025, Deontay Wilder fought Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, in a 10-round bout billed as "Legacy Reloaded". Wilder won by stopping Herndon in the seventh round, marking his first win since 2022.