Deontay Wilder has opened up about mental health issues he’s had in the past, and admitted he once had a gun in his lap as he considered suicide.
The Bronze Bomber is now at the top of the boxing game, and will defend his WBC world heavyweight title against Tyson Fury on February 22.
But it’s not always been plain sailing for Wilder, who explains he had a difficult time before he made it in the ring.
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‘Life Can Bring You Down’
The 34-year-old says his daughter being born with spina bifida had a massive effect on his mental health.
Speaking to Yahoo, Wilder said: “We all have our past story, we all came from somewhere to make us what we are now,”
“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.”
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‘Gun in my Lap’
The heavy-hitter went on to reveal how he once came close to committing suicide amidst hard times.
“I did have a gun in my lap and I did think about committing suicide,” Wilder continued.
“If you do this you ain’t got to worry about anything else, and the things in your life that are occurring.”
Wilder said that when you’re in a state of depression, it’s easy to forget what’s important to you, and the impact your decisions can have on the ones close to you.
He said: “You don’t think about what affect it would cause for your family, your daughter, your kids and so forth and so on.”
“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.”
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‘The Best Show of your Lives’
Wilder is currently preparing for his rematch with Tyson Fury on February 22.
The two first fought back in December 2018, coming to a dramatic points draw.
And Wilder’s rival has also had his own issues with mental health in the past.
The Gypsy King went through a lengthy battle with depression and substance abuse which saw him grow to over 400lbs.
Fury then had a two year hiatus from boxing as he fought his demons and started the road to recovery.
With both men seemingly over their darkest days, they’ll go head-to-head in what Wilder says will be a huge spectacle.
He said: “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.”
(Featured image source: Twitter/ Fox Sport and Top Rank)