Former World Boxing Champion (WBC), Deontay Wilder has traced his roots to Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
In a viral video that he posted on Saturday, the African American champion, said he is ready to return to his ancestral home and learn about his culture and heritage.
He added that he would have undertaken the visit some time back but had to shelve it due to the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.
Speaking in a video interview, he insisted that, “I want to go back and learn more about my culture and information with things about me. Once I’m done with what I’m doing, I’m going back to see my tribe, Edo.
“I want to see my culture and my ancestors and learn a lot of things. We all have lots of things that we are connected to that we know nothing about. I’ll love to go there and do research about my roots and tribe.”
Wilder reigned as WBC heavy weight champion from 2015 to 2020 when he lost his belt in a fight with Tyson Fury in February 2020.
He adopted the name ‘Bronze Bomber. With his recent declaration of his ancestral heritage of Edo, it is believed that it informed his choice of nickname.
He also has the typical facial and physical features of the average Bini, Edo State man
The Bini people of Edo State are known for their dexterity in fine artistry especially bronze carvings. The carvings attracted European invaders and colonial masters in the 18th century leading to them carting tons of choice art works away.
Not one to give upon the strength, resilience and sincerity that come with being black, Deontay Wilder regularly posts videos asserting his blackness.
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