Former WBC heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder has opened up about a deeply personal and emotional experience from his past, revealing the sacrifices he made while playing a father figure to his former partner’s son—and the heartbreak that followed.
Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the American boxer explained that he approached the role of a stepfather with seriousness and commitment, describing himself as a “father, not just a daddy.” According to Wilder, his involvement went far beyond emotional support and extended into long-term financial and family planning.
Wilder disclosed that during the relationship, he made the significant decision to include both his then-girlfriend and her son in his will, despite the fact that they were not married and he was not the child’s biological father. He said he even held discussions with his own children at the time, who agreed to accommodate the additional beneficiaries.
The boxer noted that the decision reflected how strongly he believed in the relationship and the family structure he felt he was building. However, he admitted that the experience ultimately came with emotional consequences he did not anticipate.
Recalling a particularly painful moment, Wilder said the child once told him, “You ain’t my daddy.” He described the remark as deeply hurtful, stressing that it cut especially hard given the level of sacrifice, love, and responsibility he had willingly taken on.
Wilder’s candid revelation has sparked conversations online about blended families, step-parenting challenges, and the emotional risks that can come with taking on parental roles without legal or biological ties.
