Wilder Focused To Make Good on Promise To Daughter

Heavyweight Deontay Wilder will be fighting to fulfil a promise he made to his daughter when he challenges for the heavyweight world title this weekend.

The 29-year-old knockout king takes on the reigning WBC champion Bermane Stiverne at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation, as he chases boxing’s most illustrious prize.

Wilder’s hunt for sports most coveted accolade, however, is being fuelled by a promise the 6ft 7inch star made to his daughter - nine-year-old daughter Naieya - who was born with spina bifida, but proved doctors wrong by being able to walk.

“We inspire each other every day. When she was one year old I promised her that I would become world champion. And I know it’s going to be a reality. And I will. She has been through so much in her nine years of living. But she’s good now,” said Wilder.

“She knows what’s going on and a lot of people say that she’s my number one fan and she is my ultimate number one fan.

“She motivates me to keep going because I know that as a nine‐year‐old girl and having gone through everything – the needles and the surgeries - if she can go through that I can go through the trials and tribulations of becoming world champion."

Though Wilder is eager to hear his name announced as the new champion, his proudest moment will be when he can place the belt on his daughter’s lap.

“Throughout my life I have never met a Wilder that wasn’t tough. We are all strong. I’ve got a big family and we don’t know what it’s like to be given anything,” Wilder said.