Deontay Wilder, Former WBC Heavyweight, on Past Suicide Thoughts & Oct 15th Fight
Pivot Podcast
I've Received My Flowers at a Young Age of 36
"It was a very emotional state for me to be presented that statue," he says. "To see women and men break down, to tell their children, this is what a real king is." He adds: "I've received my flowers at a young age of 36 ... I'm not dead. I'm not old... I'm not about to die".
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Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, sits down with The Pivot Podcast ahead of his fight on Oct 15th at the Barclays Center vs. Robert Helenius, which is his long-awaited return after suffering two straight knockouts from Tyson Fury.
Traveling to Tuscaloosa, Deontay's hometown and place where he's been training- Ryan, Channing and Fred are blown away by the journey and growth Deontay expresses and how he's dedicated the past few years to finding himself. From his environment shaping the man he is today to the impact becoming a father has had on his career to his experience with ayahuasca to his plans left in boxing. Considered one of the most prolific boxers of this era, the guys respect his journey from being a small town guy to global stardom and how his upbringing and need to protect himself and loved ones as a means of survival mode shaped him to one of the most successful athletes in the sport.
After struggling with suicidal thoughts and suffering from mental health fears, Deontay took the initiative to start rebuilding and healing from the personal and professional trauma experienced. With highs, come lows, and Deontay opens up to the guys and talks about his suicide attempt.
A decision lots of athletes face, Wilder explains how he overcame his lowest point, and why he embraces everyday...thankful for being alive. eContinuously on a journey of self-discovery, Deontay talks about ayahuasca and credits his experience with changing his views on life and refocusing his mind on boxing. The birth of his daughter, Naieya Wilder, served as his inflection point and greatest source of motivation. Naeiya was diagnosed with spina bifida in March of 2005 and Wilder turned to boxing as a way to release his family from the shackles of poverty. He quickly learned that his childhood fights served as a master class for his natural-born gift when he sparred with a professional and won.
Ryan asks if Deontay has respect for Tyson Fury which he immediately says no while sticking to his story that Fury didn't win that fight naturally and created an unfair matchup. When asked why he didn't speak up more vocally on his thoughts, Deontay honestly responds he didn't want to mess up his opportunity financially and entertaining fans around the world. In recognition of his impact and growth, his home town of Tuscaloosa recently honored Deontay with a statue in the heart of his hometown, which he cites as his biggest accomplishment.
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