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 victory marked the first time an American held a world heavyweight title since 2007, ending the longest drought in boxing history without an American champion. He is notable in the boxing world for his accomplishments.
2007: Won National Golden Gloves and US Championships
In 2007, Deontay Wilder won both the National Golden Gloves and the US championships at 201 lb (91 kg).
November 15, 2008: Professional Debut
On November 15, 2008, Deontay Wilder made his professional debut against Ethan Cox, winning by second-round technical knockout (TKO).
2008: Olympic Trials Winner
Early in 2008, Deontay Wilder won the Olympic trials after only 21 bouts. He qualified for the Olympics by beating Deivis Julio and Rafael Lima at the qualifier.
2008: Bronze Medal at the Olympics
In 2008, Deontay Wilder won a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the Olympics. This achievement led to his nickname "the Bronze Bomber".
2009: Winning Streak
In 2009, Deontay Wilder had seven fights, winning all of them in the first round. He continued to build his early career momentum.
October 2012: 25-Fight Win Streak
By October 2012, Deontay Wilder had racked up a 25-fight win streak, winning all by knockout and all within four rounds.
December 15, 2012: Won WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title
On December 15, 2012, Deontay Wilder won his first title in professional boxing, knocking out Kelvin Price to claim the vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title.
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.
August 2014: Defeated Jason Gavern
In August 2014, Deontay Wilder defeated Jason Gavern by TKO after Gavern's corner threw in the towel after round four.
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, becoming the first American heavyweight world champion since Shannon Briggs.
January 16, 2016: Wilder vs. Szpilka
On January 16, 2016, Deontay Wilder defended his WBC title against Artur Szpilka, winning by knockout in the ninth round. The fight took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Wilder earned a career-high $1.5 million for the fight.
July 16, 2016: Wilder vs. Arreola
On July 16, 2016, Deontay Wilder fought Chris Arreola at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, winning by TKO after eight rounds. Wilder broke his right hand and tore his biceps during the fight.
2016: Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year Award
In 2016, Deontay Wilder won the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award. Wilder is known for his exceptional punching power.
February 14, 2017: Wilder wins lawsuit
On February 14, 2017, Wilder won $7 million plus legal fees after taxes, in court, over the cancellation of the fight against Povetkin.
2017: Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year Award
In 2017, Deontay Wilder won the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award. Wilder is known for his exceptional punching power.
2017: Wilder vs. Washington
In 2017, Wilder won by TKO in round five against Washington.
May 18, 2019: Wilder defeats Breazeale
On May 18, 2019, Wilder defended his WBC heavyweight title against Dominic Breazeale, winning by knockout in the first round.
November 23, 2019: Wilder defeats Ortiz in rematch
On November 23, 2019, Wilder faced Luis Ortiz again and won by seventh-round knockout to retain his WBC heavyweight title, marking another significant victory in his career.
2019: Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year and Ring magazine Knockout of the Year
In 2019, Deontay Wilder won the Premier Boxing Champions Knockout of the Year award and Ring magazine Knockout of the Year award. Wilder is known for his exceptional punching power.
May 2022: Statue Honoring in Tuscaloosa
In May 2022, Deontay Wilder was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, paying homage to his fight nickname, "The Bronze Bomber".
