Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has shared a deeply personal account of the emotional and financial sacrifices he made while acting as a father figure to his former partner’s son.
Speaking during a podcast appearance, the boxer said he took the role seriously, describing himself as “a father, not just a daddy.” According to Deontay Wilder, his commitment went beyond emotional support to long-term responsibility.
He revealed that while in the relationship, he added both his then-girlfriend and her son to his will, despite not being married and not being the child’s biological father. Wilder said he discussed the decision with his own children, who agreed to accommodate the additional beneficiaries.
The 38-year-old explained that the move reflected how strongly he believed in the relationship and the family unit he thought he was building. However, he admitted the experience was also emotionally painful.
Recalling a difficult moment, Deontay Wilder said the child once told him, “You ain’t my daddy,” a statement he described as deeply hurtful given the level of sacrifice and commitment he had shown.
