Sports

Deontay Wilder: Heavyweight champion named Boxing Ambassador of Peace by Pope Francis

Thursday, January 09, 2020 at 10:06 AM by Rahaman Abiola

- Deontay Wilder has been conferred with boxing Ambassador for Peace title

- The honour was conferred on him by Pope Francis in Vatican City

- The American boxing star will defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury in February

WBC world heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, has been conferred with the boxing Ambassador of Peace title by Pope Francis after both met and shared some beautiful discussions on sports in Rome.

Wilder, a native of Alabama, was given the Boxers’ Representative and Ambassador for Peace through Sport in a private ceremony in Vatican City, Chicago Defender reports.

The 32-year-old American pugilist had earlier met Pope while on a tour in Rome and discussed boxing with the Catholic leader.

Later, Wilder was recognised with the title after being recommended by Scholas Occurentes, the non-religious social awareness organization Pope founded as archbishop in Argentina.

The Bronze Bomber, as commonly known in boxing space, won his heavyweight title in 2015, becoming the first American heavyweight champion in nine years.

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Upon receiving the honour, Wilder was full of excitement and respect for the religious world leader.

“What a honor it was to meet the Pope @Pontifex today," Wilder posted after meeting the Pope Francis.

"He’s truly a remarkable man that represents True Love, Happiness and World Peace for all human race

“Much love from me Pope Francis and I’m wishing you many many blessings your way.

Wilder will fight Tyson Fury in a much anticipated rematch bout that has been officially scheduled for February 22, 2020, in Las Vega.

The epic showdown will see the heavyweight kings put in power and seal of superiority again at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in United States.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Deontay Wilder has been controversially named the 'greatest of all time' in boxing history by Khalilah Ali, estranged wife of late boxing legend Muhammad Ali.