Deontay Wilder's Fall From Grace: A Look at His Career and Legal Troubles

  Deontay Wilder is an esteemed boxer who has experienced some of the toughest moments of his life. Over his 12-year professional career, he has won 43 bouts and knocked out 41 opponents - an astounding accomplishment! After his loss to Tyson Fury in their second fight, Wilder has found himself on an downward spiral which saw him relinquish his WBC Heavyweight Title and damage his popularity among fans. Now looking for new opponents who can help get his career back on track. 1. Losing the WBC Heavyweight Title to Tyson Fury Wilder was an impressive star when he won the WBC heavyweight championship, yet struggled throughout his career with various issues that ultimately led to depression and self-destructive behaviors. He encountered both personal and professional obstacles on his road back, yet ultimately overcame them both. After 43 pro fights under his belt and becoming known for taking on challenging opponents - his journey was complete. One day, however, he experienced his first professional loss; an eighth-round stoppage loss to Tyson Fury in their rematch. Wilder's reputation suffered considerably following that defeat; not only did he lose his title and respect from boxing fans and public alike; he also experienced significant public backlash. Wilder is currently dealing with legal issues stemming from both his losses and legal allegations against him, including an allegation that he took performance-enhancing drugs prior to fighting Tyson Fury and is being investigated by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for multiple other violations. However, Wilder has since staged a remarkable comeback and is set to fight for his WBC heavyweight championship again. While no one can predict whether he'll prevail in his next fight or not, it is apparent that there remains much work for Wilder to do before returning to competition. Wilder is still undecided on his next opponent, though it seems likely he will face off against a top prospect. Currently training with Malik Scott, Wilder hopes to return to the ring soon. Wilder may regain his title and start an undefeated campaign if he can prove his mettle in the ring, but first must begin cleaning his slate. 2. Losing the WBO Heavyweight Title to Dereck Chisora Deontay Wilder is an acclaimed boxer known for being unbeaten in 43 career fights and winning the WBC heavyweight championship in 2015. After defeating Bermane Stiverne to claim it, Deontay Wilder became the first American since Shannon Briggs held it from 2007-08. Wilder's victory earned him enormous amounts of money - his largest payday to date and marking an important step on the journey towards becoming an international star. Though his career may have fallen short of expectations, Wilder has continued to fight and established an excellent reputation. A staple on SHOWTIME and known for his spectacular knockouts. Wilder was defeated and forfeited his WBC Heavyweight Title after an epic fight with Tyson Fury at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on February 22. This marked his first professional loss and it came against former British super-middleweight champion Tyson. Wilder has since fallen into legal issues as a result of his defeat, being arrested on Tuesday for possession of a concealed weapon - and as such is facing potential felony charges and fines of up to $10,000. Reports indicate that Wilder was driving a Rolls-Royce when police stopped and searched his vehicle, discovering both cannabis and a 9mm handgun inside it. Though Wilder was not charged with a felony, his arrest had a profound impact on his career. Since his loss to Fury he has yet to fight again and may take some time off before returning to action. Wilder is confident he can turn things around and defeat Fury again in his next fight, making an impressionful statement about boxing as an artform and himself in general. Additionally, Wilder believes he has what it takes to become one of the leading figures within boxing in future. 3. Losing the WBA Heavyweight Title to Wladimir Klitschko Deontay Wilder's fall from grace has been undeniable. Legal problems and COVID-19 have seriously hindered his career and affected his health, leading him down an unexpectedly arduous path back home. Wilder's loss to Tyson Fury was a devastating blow. After suffering an 11th round stoppage defeat that ended his unbeaten streak, Wilder was stripped of his title and soon after has become embroiled in scandal over allegations of assaulting prostitutes, failed appeal against suspension, and accusations of substance abuse. Wilder made his decision during this dark period to part ways with Mark Breland, his initial trainer who had successfully guided him towards multiple world championships including WBC heavyweight. Breland had trained Wilder since the start and won him multiple world championships including WBC heavyweight. Wilder lashed out against Breland after Fury defeated him early in round seven, accusing him of betraying them and stopping their fight early. Wilder has since been linked to various scandals and legal matters, and has also been accused of lacking respect for both opponents and his fellow fighters. Wilder's only hope of making an impressive comeback lies in changing his approach quickly and refocusing on his strengths, working tirelessly towards getting back into contention. If that can be accomplished, Wilder could surprise the boxing world once again and perhaps bring stability back into boxing as a sport. 4. Losing the WBA World Heavyweight Title to Wladimir Klitschko Deontay Wilder was an emerging star in boxing. Unbeaten through 43 fights, defending his title 10 times and scoring 41 knockouts - Deontay Wilder became an early favorite to challenge Anthony Joshua for unification title; Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora among many other formidable opponents were eagerly waiting in his path. As a professional boxer, Wilder trained under Jay Deas and had an assistant named Mark Breland; Breland had previously held both championship and Olympic gold medal titles and was well respected in the boxing community. Wilder began his training under him from the very start, becoming one of his earliest champions. Wilder used power punches and speed in early bouts while also possessing an exceptional chin. Wilder fought 23 opponents for the world heavyweight championship during his career. He managed to defeat Corrie Sanders, Lamon Brewster and Tyson Fury while losing to Anthony Joshua in 2015. Vitali Klitschko began his professional career in 1996 as an amateur. Following in the footsteps of Vitali, he won multiple world amateur championships before competing at the Atlanta Olympic Games as a world amateur champion and becoming heavyweight champion a few years later, going on to take home both national titles before going on to claim world supremacy three years later. His reign as world heavyweight champion spanned nine years and seven months - the longest-ever tenure ever for any heavyweight champion in history. He successfully defended 19 times during this period - behind only Joe Louis and Larry Holmes. After losing to Tyson Fury in 2015, Wilder returned with renewed vigor in 2016, starting a three-fight winning streak and planning on defending his WBA title against him again in June - however due to court orders against Fury this clash never materialised; leaving Wilder frustrated, as his plan had been for them both to meet each other twice for undisputed championship purposes. 5. Losing the WBA World Heavyweight Title to Tyson Fury Deontay Wilder's fall from grace stems not just from his performance against Tyson Fury but from career issues as well as legal matters. Wilder's career took an abrupt u-turn after defeating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. As soon as Wilder had taken to boxing again, his depression and weight issues worsened, eventually leading him into retirement for nearly four years. As soon as he returned, he overcame his issues and transformed into an incredible fighter; currently ranking No.1 heavyweight worldwide. However, since his defeat against Tyson Fury in 2018, he has not won a world title and even lost it during their second encounter! In their most recent meeting he surrendered the WBA World Heavyweight Championship for good to Tyson Fury in a knockout. Wilder was left reeling after losing the WBA World Heavyweight Title to Tyson Fury after 43 professional fights had passed before he lost, which came as an immense disappointment to Wilder. Wilder's first defeat as a professional, and first since winning two title fights against Fury in 1996 and 1998. Though his performance improved against Fury this time around, it wasn't enough to secure victory and win him back the fight. Wilder may attempt to secure a rematch against Fury; however, this is no certainty; instead he could face Andy Ruiz in a WBC eliminator fight next year. Depending on how Wilder finds to defeat Ruiz, it may be worth taking another shot against Fury for another bout. That would enable him to regain his status as the No.1 heavyweight contender; though for that to occur he must change his mindset and get back on board the horse himself.