Deontay Wilder is confident his name ends up alongside the likes of Muhammed Ali, Sonny Liston, and Rocky Marciano in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ is known for an unwavering belief in himself – and why not? His knockout power has been hailed by some fans and fighters as the most devastating in the history of the sport.
He won the WBC heavyweight title in 2015, bringing the belt back to America for the first time since 2007 after what was the longest period in history without a US champion in the division. It was his to defend until 2020, and he did so ten times.
Despite perhaps not facing as many other top contenders as fans would like, the Alabama fighter has 45 fights, 42 wins and 41 knockouts. Understandably, with numbers like that, modesty doesn’t come easy.
Wilder told BoxingScene.com that he’s a hall-of-famer now, and is certain he’ll be formally inducted in the future.
“I’m a Hall of Famer right now.”
“I already know when those five years are up and I’m done competing, I’m automatically in the boxing Hall of Fame, no questions asked. If not, I’ll be very surprised.”
Wilder was last in the ring in October of 2021, but has recently announced his return with the key ambition to challenge and reign once more.
There was a period of time when he was considering hanging up the gloves. Two successive defeats to Tyson Fury will do that to you. However, he’s decided against and will step back into the ring on October 15 to face an in-form Robert Helenius.