Deontay Wilder Looking to Give A New Meaning to Title Town

Let’s rewind back to January. Deontay Wilder just won a 12-round bout with Bermane Stiverne to become the heavyweight champion. This was the first time an American has held a share of the title since 2007. Better yet, Wilder was born and raised in the “Title Town” of the college football world, Tuscaloosa. If I can be totally honest with everyone reading this, it took me two months before the fight mentioned above until I actually knew of Wilder. When I learned more and more about him, I became a bigger and bigger fan. Ultimately, I ended up at a viewing party and acted like Alabama won a national championship when it was all said and done.

Just like anyone who grew up in Tuscaloosa, Wilder dreamed of winning titles in Bryant-Denny Stadium, not a boxing ring. When his daughter, Naieya, was born with a serious birth defect called spina bifida, Wilder had to let go of his dreams. After picking up multiple jobs to support his family, Wilder turned to boxing as a way to earn some extra cash. Well, I think that was a smart decision. In a short amount of time, Wilder went from boxing for extra cash to representing his country in the Olympics. So where does Wilder get his nickname? “The Bronze Bomber” became a nickname for Wilder after winning the bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Games. The only American boxer to receive a medal in the games.

For the next seven years after Beijing, Wilder climbed up the boxing ladder and posted a career record 32-0 (32 KOs) until finally getting his chance at the belt. Wilder’s motivation came from his daughter and as she continued to improve, Wilder became hungrier for a title chance. Tuscaloosa was certainly supporting their new hometown hero and not just as a training site. Tuscaloosa had a big send off for Wilder before departing for Las Vegas and held a parade for his return, the city has embraced their new champion. A city where so many champions have come before and plenty more in the future, one of the more interesting and historic is before our eyes. On the night of his title bout, there was an energy at the viewing parties that made me think the fight was happening in Bryant-Denny. The strip was full of bars carrying the fight and a game day atmosphere was created on a lowly and cold Saturday night. Trust me, the environment was a lot better than the night of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight (I could’ve fallen asleep standing up watching that dance). As boxing fans rejoiced and students chanted roll tide, this was truly just the beginning. Oh, what a beginning it has been so far.

This next fight is even more special. In all the great history of boxing, there has never been a heavyweight title fight in the state of Alabama until now. Held in Birmingham, Wilder’s first title defense will be on his home turf and in an area where the sport of boxing has been rejuvenated. If Wilder wins, he promises fans even bigger and better events in Alabama. For me, I’m not sure how that’s possible. I’ll be there covering the historic fight and I hope plenty of others attend or view from somewhere else and cheer on Alabama’s very different champion. Regardless of team affiliation within the state, Wilder is a champion all of Alabama can support. For one night, the state of Alabama will be united during a championship event. Sounds kinda funny to say right? As the Iron Bowl is the main focus on people’s minds, for one night at least, the “Bronze Bomber” can bring home the hard wear to the state.

The Deontay Wilder vs. Eric Molina title fight will be held on June 13th at 8 pm CST in Birmingham, Alabama. If you can’t make it to the venue, the fight will be shown on Showtime. For ticket information, visit alabamatitlefight.com