Deontay Wilder was reportedly arrested for possession of a firearm in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
The former world heavyweight champion has been in training for a ring return following a first round knockout over Robert Helenius in October of 2022.
TMZ reports that Wilder was stopped after 1AM on the morning of May 2 because his license plate was obscured and windows illegally tinted. It’s then alleged that marijuana and a 9mm pistol were found. Wilder was released at around 6AM. As of writing, he has not publicly commented on the matter.
The 37-year-old heavyweight from Alabama is known for his power inside the ring, having knocked out every man he’s faced in the ring that isn’t Tyson Fury.
After going 32 pro fights unbeaten over six years, Wilder found himself with a shot at the WBC title against Bermaine Stiverne. He won it, and kept it for five years until facing Tyson Fury.
After a thrilling – and contentious – draw in their first bout, Fury switched trainers and styles, and returned to American to stop Wilder. He did the same again in their trilogy bout, leaving Wilder belt-less and on the comeback trail.
He was out of the ring for a year before the Helenius fight, and is now said to be keen to fight again.
The 43-2-1 fighter is expected to face long time British rival, Anthony Joshua, this December in the Middle East, but will likely have a smaller scale fight beforehand. There have been no opponents floated yet.