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Deontay Wilder Reveals He Once Considered Shooting Himself

Deontay Wilder Reveals He Once Considered Shooting Himself

'The Bronze Bomber' opened up about hardships he faced in life when he was younger.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Deontay Wilder has candidly revealed he once considered shooting himself and taking his own life.

The WBC heavyweight champion told Yahoo Sport his daughter being born with spina bifida in 2005 had a huge impact on his mental well-being.

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PA

"We all have our past story, we all came from somewhere to make us what we are now," said Wilder.

"At 19 and 20, I had a lot of hardship going on in my life - I had a daughter born with spina bifida as well - and just trying to make it as a young man living in the real world.

"I always had big goals and big dreams, my mind set is always of a king but sometimes life can bring you down.

"I did have a gun in my lap and I did think about committing suicide, if you do this you ain't got to worry about anything else, and the things in your life that are occurring."

The 'Bronze Bomber' went on to say that when in that state of mind, it becomes hard to think about the impact on other people.

"You don't think about what affect it would cause for your family, your daughter, your kids and so forth and so on.

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"In that state of mind, you just become selfish. You think of the inner pain and the outer pain that you're feeling right at that very moment in time."

Wilder is currently preparing for his rematch with Tyson Fury on February 22.

Fury has also had a suffered from mental health issues, including a three year battle with depression which saw him balloon to 400lbs.

The duo fought to a controversial draw in December 2018 and while Wilder thinks his rival is skilled, he doesn't think much of his punching ability.

"I still think Tyson had a pillow as a fist but he's a skillful fighter though. But you can't have it all, people say I don't have skills but I have the punch.

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PA

"That's what I felt at the time (pillow as a fist).

"It's an adrenaline rush in the ring, we're all brave warriors, we're all gladiators and that's what we become in order to fight and give you guys the best show of your lives."

Who do you think will win the hotly-anticipated rematch in Los Angeles?

Sound off in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Tyson Fury, Boxing News, Boxing, Deontay Wilder