LAS VEGAS – February 23, 2017 – Boxing’s World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder and World Welterweight champion Keith Thurman took time away from preparing for their upcoming matches to reflect on Black History Month, its importance and the major influences in their lives.
Wilder will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Gerald Washington live in prime time on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
Thurman, the WBA welterweight champion and native of Clearwater, FL, will meet WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia in a 147-pound title unification match live in prime time on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Brooklyn Barclays Center on March 4.
Wilder, a native of Tuscaloosa, AL, won the same WBC belt that Muhammad Ali held and he earned it on Jan. 15, 2015 – Ali’s birthday. Wilder counts Ali as the African American boxer who had the most influence on him.
“Muhammad Ali is my idol,’’ Wilder said. “When I look at Muhammad Ali, I really see a man who was a real life super hero. What he did for boxing, in and out of the ring, will forever live on to the point where want to walk in the same footsteps that he did, but to do it in my own way. “
On the question of what virtues and characteristics that boxing brings to the African American community:
“Being able to learn the craft, the art, the skill, and the sweet science of boxing. It also brings people together in the community, whether it’s a family gathering or a gym gathering. You’re meeting new people and old faces,” said Wilder.
‘The legacy of the sport, the importance of this month, the influence I can bring, it makes me want to continue the work of my Black role models in the sport. Show the positive aspects of boxing. The fact I’m defending my title during Black History month means a lot, it is creating my legacy.”
On the question of who is the most influential African American in your life:
“The most influential African American in my life were my grandmothers [one was a church pastor Evelyn Loggins.] Both of my grandmothers, on my mother’s side and on my father’s side, they were very influential in my life. Both believed in one thing for sure, they believed in God and they believed in doing the right things and that if you work hard, you shall obtain what you seek.’’
For Thurman, four African American boxers have had a major influence on his life – Ali, Mike Tyson, Aaron Pryor and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
“Ali made boxing what it is today. He made the world love boxing. The world love Ali and the way that he fought. He was a gold medalist and did a lot for our country. Mostly, he influenced me by showing what a true, athletic fighter should look like. He was perfect combination of speed and power. Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.
“Mike Tyson was the animal. He was the beast, something to be afraid of. He put fear into the hearts of his opponents, who were nervous before they ever stepped into the ring with him.
“Aaron Pryor just happens to be one of my favorites. They say he was somebody that even Sugar Ray Leonard never wanted to fight. He was a tremendous fighter. The intensity Pryor fought with and his overall style really was admirable.
“Floyd influenced me by showing the world how money can be made through boxing,’’ Thurman continues. “You can argue that Ali was making tremendous amounts and so was Tyson. Floyd Mayweather has made tremendous amounts, and outside of that.
“Watching Floyd is almost like watching a ballerina. There is a beauty in the way that he sets up his counters and dances around the ring. Floyd wasn’t known in the later years for knockouts, but he finessed his way into victory, which gives me a better, well-rounded understanding of the sport as a whole.’’
On the virtues and characteristics that boxing brings to the African American community:
“The No. 1 thing is to fight in the ring, not outside of it. That’s something that Ben Getty taught me when I was 7. You fight in the ring and not outside of it. I’m glad to say that I pretty much live up to that. You shouldn’t resort to violence to solve your problems. If anything it creates more problems. Boxing and any form of training helps you to develop discipline. For those who are truly dedicated, it’s a career path and I’m proud to say that it’s my career and allowed me to support myself and my family.’’
On the most influential African Americans in his life:
“Nelson Mandela, Haile Selassie, Al Haymon, and Martin Luther King. The first two are influential African people whose work had an impact on African Americans. Martin Luther King meant a lot here in America. Those four men do it for my short list.’’
