Deontay Wilder Family Tree: The Story Behind the Bronze Bomber

Deontay Leshun Wilder, born 22 October 1985 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, is an American boxer — WBC World Heavyweight Champion 2015-2020; 43-4-1 (42 KO) — highest KO% in heavyweight championship history; 2008 Olympic bronze.

The Family's Roots: An Alabama Family

The Wilder family is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

His Parents

Father: Marsellos Wilder Sr. — American.

Mother: Gertha Wilder — American.

His Wife: Telli Swift

Telli Swift — American; ex-girlfriend/partner.

His Children (mostly with prior relationship)

Naieema Wilder, b. 2005 — daughter (born with spina bifida — motivation for Wilder's career).

Deontay Wilder Jr., b. 2011.

Deiondra Wilder — daughter.

Aaliyah Wilder — daughter.

Deiondre Wilder — son.

Kaorii Lyn Wilder, b. 2018 — daughter with Telli Swift.

The Wilder Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Marsellos Wilder Sr..

Mother: Gertha Wilder.

Partner: Telli Swift.

Children: Naieema (b. 2005); Deontay Jr. (b. 2011); Deiondra; Aaliyah; Deiondre; Kaorii Lyn (b. 2018).

Deontay Wilder:

  • Born 22 October 1985, Tuscaloosa
  • Started boxing at 19 (2005) after daughter Naieema's spina bifida diagnosis (to pay medical bills)
  • 2008 Olympic bronze: Beijing (heavyweight)
  • Turned pro November 2008
  • WBC Heavyweight Champion: 17 January 2015 (beat Bermane Stiverne)
  • 10 title defences: 2015-2020
  • Fury trilogy: 1 December 2018 draw; 22 February 2020 loss; 9 October 2021 KO loss
  • Career: 43-4-1 (42 KO)
  • Comeback wins: 2022 (Robert Helenius KO), 2023 (Ruiz)
  • Zhilei Zhang loss: 2024

What the Wilder Family Story Teaches Us

A father and mother in Alabama. A daughter Naieema born with spina bifida when Wilder was 19 — the motivation for his boxing career. Six children by multiple partners. A career that started at 19 out of medical necessity and became one of boxing's highest-KO% careers.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bronze Bomber story carries the same lesson. Some careers begin to pay medical bills and become a world title.

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