US boxer, Deontay Wilder Traces Root To Edo, Nigeria

Former World Boxing Champion, Deontay Wilder, has recently disclosed that he was able to trace his roots to Edo State, Nigeria.

In a viral YouTube video, the boxer said:

“I want to go back and learn more about my culture and information with things about me.”

Mr Wilder, who has never been to Nigeria, said he wants to return to Edo state in Nigeria to learn a little more about his roots.

“Once I’m done with what I’m doing, I’m going back to see my tribe Edo,” Wilder said.

“I want to see my culture and my ancestors and learn a lot of things. We all have lots of things that we are connected to that we know nothing about. I’ll love to go there and do research about my roots and my tribe,” he added.

The U.S. based professional boxer enjoyed a 5-year reign as the WBC heavyweight champion between 2015 and 2020, losing his strap in a bout with Tyson Fury in February, 2020.

Nigeria has been a force in world boxing since the 1940’s, producing top boxers like Dick Tiger and Hogan Bassey; both undisputed world champions, Tiger at middle and light heavyweight, and Bassey at featherweight.

The country has continued to maintain its dominance in the world of boxing today, producing world champions like Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder. Follow us on Instagram @sofovilla | Follow us on Twitter @sofovilla | Like our page on Facebook via @sofovillamedia