Who is Marsellos Wilder? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Age: 35 Years, 35 Year Old Males

Family:

father: Gary Wilder

mother: Deborah Wilder

siblings: Deontay Wilder

Boxers Family Members

Height: 1.91 m

U.S. State: Alabama

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Rise to Stardom

Marsellos Wilder, who wanted to become a professional American football player like his brother before him, had to let go off his NFL dreams after failing to achieve the required academic grade for the selection. His elder brother, Deontay, who also could not achieve his football dreams due to the birth of his daughter Naieya with congenital defect spina bifida, later found enormous success as a boxer. Marsellos was inspired by his brother to make a career in boxing. Interestingly, his brother told him to learn the ropes of the game by facing him in the ring at the Skyy Boxing Gym where he got his start and continued to practice. As a result, his first fight in the ring was a three-round spar with his brother, the world heavyweight champion.

Recounting the incident, he later revealed to 'The Independent' that he "got scarred for life in my first ever spar". However, he was well-aware of the burden of being the brother of Deontay, and in due time, he rose through the ranks of unpaid boxing. After fighting in only seven amateur bouts, he started his professional boxing career. He gained widespread media attention as he prepared to face his third professional fight on December 1st, 2018, the same day his elder brother was to defend his WBC heavyweight championship title against challenger Tyson Fury in a super fight. While Deontay finished with a controversial draw, Marsellos knocked his opponent David Damore through the ropes to win his third straight fight.

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Boxing Career

Marsellos Wilder, who recently began his professional boxing career in the cruiserweight division, the division below his elder brother Deontay's heavyweight division, had originally started out participating in unpaid boxing matches following his brother's advice. After three years of practice and only seven amateur fights, all of which he won thanks to training under the watchful eyes of his brother, his dream came true as he was scheduled to fight as an undercard to his brother's world title defense against Tyson Fury at Staples Center, Los Angeles. It was only his third fight in the paid ranks.

He previously made his debut against Jalyn Anthony on May 25, 2018 at Tuscaloosa Rivermarket, Tuscaloosa, and won the match via knockout. His second bout was against Ryan Williams on September 8th, 2018 at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, which he again won via TKO. While the expectations were high for his third fight against David Damore thanks to his brother's reputation, he didn't disappoint despite missing another TKO victory. He dominated the fight from the beginning, but had to settle for a fourth round unanimous decision win. With this win, his third straight in the cruiserweight division, he put his feet firmly on the boxing ground as the new Wilder in action.

Family & Personal Life

Marsellos Quinkeith Wilder was born on April 14, 1989 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Gary and Deborah Wilder. He had a deeply religious upbringing as his father was a preacher. He is the younger brother of professional boxer Deontay Wilder. He shared a room with his brother as a child and had to live under his strict guidance as well. He later told 'The Independent' in an exclusive interview that while he learned a lot from his elder brother, it was like having "two dads in the house so to speak", as whenever his father was not at home, his brother took his role; cooking for him, taking care of his needs, and even chastising him occasionally. He attended Tuscaloosa Central High School and was the class of 2008. He played American football in school and wanted to play the game professionally as well, but failed to make the grade. He played as wide receiver like his elder brother.

Marsellos Wilder Biography