Deontay Wilder has said he is "very excited" after it was announced that his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama would be honouring him with a statue.
The former world heavyweight champion hasn't fought since last October, when he was brutally stopped for a second time by Tyson Fury in their title trilogy. And it remains to be seen whether or not he will opt to return at all, despite having a number of big-name options available to him for further bouts.
Regardless of whether or not he will fight again, Wilder has been honoured with a statue in his hometown, after a host of achievements in the sport. He won an Olympic bronze medal before turning professional, where he became one of the most feared heavyweights in the world and defended his world title on a number of occasions.
“I did not expect this," Wilder said in a statement after the statue was announced, with an unveiling planned for Wednesday. "I know I’m going to set a lot of records. I’m going to break a lot of records along my journey. But this right here, this is something that God is giving, not only to me but also to my state and my city.
“We will soon see people coming to the state of Alabama, going through the city of Tuscaloosa, looking at the statue. This will be something for my children, children, and grandchildren. I am very happy and grateful for this project. I’m very excited about it.”
The fighter became an icon for young people in his home state during his career, and has taken his responsibility as a role model very seriously. And it's his outspoken nature outside of the ring, as well as his brutal knockouts within it, that have resulted in his hometown honouring him in such a way.
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“ Deontay Wilder will be honored with a life-size statue in his hometown of Tuscaloosa," said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “We are very pleased to present this highly anticipated piece of public art featuring the Bronze Bomber, our proud world champion from Tuscaloosa.
“The sculpture was created by Caleb O’Connor, who has adopted Tuscaloosa as his home. He has created many other beautiful pieces in our city.”
Hawaii native O'Connor is one of the most established artists in Tuscaloosa, and has been commissioned to create a number of murals in the city. “One of the biggest things I saw regarding sculpture is the idea that Deontay needs to be recognized for what he has done," he added. “We haven’t had a champion like him in a long time. We have a great sports star here in Tuscaloosa.”
