Top Heavyweight Boxers in the World

Olympic bronze and the professional transition

Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder is an American heavyweight from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, born on 22 October 1985. He began boxing in 2005 and progressed unusually quickly through the amateur ranks. National success in 2007 led to the United States Olympic team, and he won a heavyweight bronze medal at Beijing 2008. That medal supplied the nickname that followed him into professional boxing.

Wilder made his professional debut in November 2008. His early career was defined by short fights and an increasingly recognisable right hand. Victories over experienced opponents, including former heavyweight champion Siarhei Liakhovich and Malik Scott, brought him closer to a world-title opportunity. His development eventually required a different test: maintaining control through a full championship distance.

The WBC championship years

In January 2015, Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision over twelve rounds to win the WBC heavyweight championship. It was a full world title, and the decision showed that his career was not limited to early finishes. He subsequently made ten successful defences before losing the belt in 2020.

That reign included victories over Gerald Washington, a first-round win in the Stiverne rematch, and two defences against Luis Ortiz. Ortiz presented a skilled southpaw challenge, while Wilder's finishing power remained decisive. He also stopped Dominic Breazeale in the first round in 2019. These are achievements from his championship reign, rather than evidence of a current title or ranking.

Three fights with Tyson Fury

Wilder's rivalry with Tyson Fury became central to his career. Their December 2018 contest ended in a split draw after Wilder scored two knockdowns. The draw preserved his WBC title and remains an essential part of his professional record.

Fury won the February 2020 rematch by a seventh-round stoppage. Their October 2021 third meeting featured knockdowns on both sides before Fury secured an eleventh-round stoppage. Reports differ on the precise KO/TKO shorthand, so the finish is described without imposing a disputed code. Wilder's record after that third fight was 42–2–1, with 41 knockout wins.

Setbacks and later victories

Wilder returned in October 2022 with a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius. He then lost a twelve-round unanimous decision to Joseph Parker in December 2023 and was stopped by Zhilei Zhang in June 2024. Those results are part of his later contender career; they do not establish retirement or justify speculation about his health.

In June 2025 he stopped Tyrrell Herndon in round seven. On 4 April 2026, he defeated Derek Chisora by split decision over twelve rounds at The O2 in London. The Wilder–Chisora result report covers the completed contest.

Current record and next fight

Wilder is 40, with a verified record of 45 wins, four losses and one draw, including 43 knockout wins. Chisora remains his last meaningful heavyweight result. No official next bout has been verified, so next fight remains TBA. Reported discussions involving Oleksandr Usyk are not presented as a scheduled contest.