Deontay Wilder Will Defend His Title for a Second Time in September

"The Bronze Bomber” (34-0, 33 KOs) will again defend his title when he faces Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) in primetime on September 26.

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) will air the bout on NBC, live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 pm ET.

This fight will signify the return of heavyweight world championship boxing in primetime on NBC. This is the first heavyweight title bout in primetime on NBC since May 20, 1985, when another undefeated American heavyweight world champion, Larry Holmes, defended his title against Carl Williams in Reno, Nevada with legendary broadcaster Marv Albert on the call, just as he will be on September 26. Now, Wilder looks to pick up where Holmes left off and deliver world-class heavyweight action right into sports fans’ living rooms.

Wilder returns to his home state to defend his title for the second time this year after knocking out Eric Molina in the ninth round of their June bout. Wilder won his world title with a dominating performance against former champion Bermane Stiverne in January and became the first undefeated American to win a heavyweight title since Michael Moorer in 1994 and the first U.S. born heavyweight champion since Shannon Briggs in 2006.

Wilder said,

Fighting at home last time exceeded my expectations and coming back again is a blessing upon my life. I’m looking forward to bringing more boxing to Alabama and introducing the entire state to this great sport.

I know my opponent has great size and that’s what we’re looking for in opponents. He has a great record and he’s never been knocked out…until he faces me. I know Duhaupas is tough and he comes to fight and that’s exactly what we need.

Duhaupas then stated,

I am very happy to be challenging Deontay Wilder for the heavyweight world title. This is a huge opportunity and I will make the most of it on September 26. Deontay is a good boxer, but I have the heart of a lion and the mental fortitude to handle anything in the ring.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now and are available here.

DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella said,

Deontay Wilder is one of the brightest stars in boxing. September 26 will mark his third heavyweight championship fight of 2015 and the second defense of his title. It’s great for boxing to have an American heavyweight champion make a defense in his hometown, on free television, in primetime. In heavyweight years, Deontay is a young champion and it’s great to see him fighting so often and continuing to grow and improve as a champion.

Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Wilder is the fighting pride of Alabama having fought four times in his hometown, once in Mobile and now twice in Birmingham. The 29-year-old began boxing at the age of 21 after his daughter Naieya was born with spina bifida. Despite the late start in this sport, Wilder would go on to represent the U.S. in the 2008 Olympic Games, where he won a bronze medal. He is the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics.

Before winning his title via a 12-round decision, Wilder had not allowed an opponent to get past the fourth round in any of his pro fights. Over that time Wilder racked up victories over Audley Harrison, Siarhei Liakhovich, Jason Gavern and Malik Scott.

An experienced fighter standing 6’5” with 20 knockouts to his name, Duhaupas makes his U.S. debut against Wilder, looking to realize his heavyweight championship dreams. After turning pro in 2004, the 34-year-old won his first 17 professional fights and has picked up French, South American and the Mediterranean heavyweight titles over his 11-year career. Having fought in 10 different countries throughout his career, the fighter out of Abbeville, Somme, France has been in every kind of sporting environment and will not be phased by the bright lights of primetime when he enters the ring on September 26.