[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DEONTAY WILDER

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the current 
World Boxing Council, WBC, World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Leshun 
Wilder.
  Mr. Wilder is a native of Tuscaloosa, AL. He graduated from 
Tuscaloosa Central High School in 2004, and he attended Shelton State 
Community College. From there, he focused on forging a career in 
boxing.
  Mr. Wilder began his boxing career in 2005, and he has achieved 
outstanding success as both an amateur and professional boxer. In 2007, 
Wilder upset the favorites to win the National Golden Gloves and the 
U.S. championships. Wilder was awarded the bronze medal in boxing at 
the 2008 Olympics. In 2012, he won the WBC Continental Americas 
heavyweight boxing title.
  In January of this year, Wilder became the first American heavyweight 
champion in 9 years after his win over Bermane Stiverne. Since then, 
Wilder has successfully defended his WBC title twice, most recently in 
September.
  Deontay Wilder has made a proactive effort to give back to the State 
of Alabama by hosting his first two title defenses in Birmingham, AL. 
He has also been a champion of charitable causes such as the fight 
against spina bifida.
  Mr. Wilder is an incredible athlete and an inspiration to many. I am 
honored to recognize his great talent and success, and I am proud to 
call him a fellow Alabamian.

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