Deontay Wilder, an American heavyweight boxer, boasts an estimated net worth of $30 million.
He first captured global attention in 2015 after claiming the WBC Heavyweight Championship, breaking a nine-year drought of American heavyweight titleholders—the longest in the division’s history.
Over the years, Wilder has amassed significant paydays from some of boxing’s most talked-about bouts.
His fight purses include $2 million from his first clash with Luis Ortiz, $10 million from his initial showdown with Tyson Fury, $10 million for his victory over Dominic Breazeale, $20 million for the Ortiz rematch, and $28 million from his second bout with Fury.
Altogether, his total career earnings have exceeded $70 million, with $45 million earned between June 2019 and June 2020 alone.
Early Life And Background
Deontay Leshun Wilder was born on October 22, 1985, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He attended Tuscaloosa Central High School, graduating in 2004.
During his teenage years, Wilder aspired to play football or basketball for the University of Alabama. However, life took a different turn when his daughter, born in 2005 with spina bifida, required constant care.
Choosing to stay close to his family, Wilder enrolled at Shelton State Community College, sacrificing his athletic dreams to be near his daughter.
The emotional toll of this period led him into a brief episode of depression, where he later revealed he had contemplated suicide.
Overcoming these dark thoughts, he found new purpose and strength through boxing—a decision that would transform his life.
Remarkably, Wilder began boxing at the age of 20. Within two years, he had already made a name for himself by winning both the National Golden Gloves and the U.S. Championships.
His meteoric rise continued when he earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, cementing his reputation as one of America’s most promising boxing prospects. His amateur record stood at an impressive 30 wins and 5 losses.
Rise To Professional Stardom
Wilder turned professional in November 2008, debuting with a TKO victory at age 23. His dominance was immediate—he fought nine times in 2009 and won each bout within the first round. Between 2009 and 2012, Wilder built a perfect 25–0 record, with all victories coming before the fourth round.
His first major professional challenge came in December 2012 against the undefeated Kelvin Price (13–0), whom Wilder dispatched with a powerful knockout.
From 2013 to 2018, he continued his remarkable winning streak, defeating notable opponents such as Audley Harrison, Jason Gavern, and Chris Arreola.
In November 2017, Wilder faced Bermane Stiverne and secured a first-round knockout victory. Four months later, in March 2018, he defended his title by defeating Luis Ortiz in the 10th round, earning a career-high $2 million purse.
First Clash With Tyson Fury
Entering the much-anticipated Tyson Fury bout in December 2018, Wilder held an undefeated record of 40–0. Fury, having previously defeated Wladimir Klitschko, had returned to the ring after overcoming personal struggles. The fight, held in Las Vegas, drew more than 325,000 pay-per-view buys.
Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, while Fury earned $3 million. After 12 thrilling rounds, the fight ended in a controversial draw, shocking the boxing world.
However, after pay-per-view revenue, both fighters walked away with over $10 million each.
Wilder continued his dominance in May 2019, knocking out Dominic Breazeale in the first round—a bout that reportedly netted him another $10 million.
Later that year, in November 2019, he defeated Luis Ortiz again, earning a $3 million base purse with total guarantees reaching $20 million.
The Second Fury Showdown
The highly anticipated rematch between Wilder and Fury took place on February 22, 2020. Both fighters were guaranteed $28 million each, alongside a 50/50 split of pay-per-view profits.
In one of the most-watched heavyweight clashes of the modern era, Fury emerged victorious with a seventh-round TKO, ending Wilder’s unbeaten streak but not his legacy as one of the division’s most powerful punchers.
Private Life
Deontay Wilder is a proud father of eight children. He shares two daughters and a son with his ex-wife, Jessica Scales-Wilder.
He is currently engaged to Telli Swift, a reality television star featured on “WAGS Atlanta.” His younger brother, Marsellos Wilder, has also followed in his footsteps, pursuing a professional boxing career.
Summary Table – Deontay Wilder’s Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deontay Leshun Wilder |
| Born | October 22, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
| Major Titles | WBC Heavyweight Champion (2015–2020) |
| Career Earnings | Over $70 Million |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Telli Swift |
| Children | 8 |
| Notable Achievement | Bronze Medal, 2008 Beijing Olympics |
FAQ
How much did Deontay Wilder earn from his fights with Tyson Fury?
Wilder earned approximately $28 million from their 2020 rematch and $10 million from their first bout in 2018.
How old was Deontay Wilder when he started boxing?
He began boxing at the age of 20 and became an Olympic bronze medalist just two years later.
Who is Deontay Wilder’s fiancée?
Wilder is engaged to television personality Telli Swift, known for her appearance on WAGS Atlanta.
What are Deontay Wilder’s biggest career achievements?
Wilder held the WBC Heavyweight Title for five consecutive years and earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.