American boxer Deontay Wilder, the 2008 US Olympic bronze medalist, won the world heavyweight title on Saturday. He defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Wilder went past four rounds for the first time in his career in a fight. He’s bringing the title back to the US for the first time since 2006 when Shannon Briggs beat Siarhei Liakhovich.
The win is even more special to Wilder as it happened on Muhammad Ali’s birthday (he turned 73). Ali is considered the greatest heavyweight champ in the sport’s history. “I want to bring excitement back to the heavyweight division,” Wilder said. “And I don’t want to sit around. I want to fight four times a year. Whoever’s ready, I’m ready.”
