It is well known that WBC heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder is a man of strong faith.
Recently he had the chance to go to Rome, Italy to meet the Pope.
Although it was something that was well documented one interesting fact about the Pope seems to have gone under the radar.
Until now.
It turns out the Pope is a big boxing fan.
Speaking to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, Wilder said of the meeting:
“It was amazing. I must say. My life is blessed. Meeting so many people, being in so many different places around the world, so many times, and meeting the Pope was amazing. It was a humbling experience as well. He’s every bit of what I thought he’d be and what others would say as well. He loves all the human race and it was amazing to interact with him and see him interact with others as well. It’s nothing but love.”
He added:
“I took my fiance with me. She’s Catholic so it was an even bigger moment for her. So when you’re coming to meet the Pope and you know he has high interest in your profession (it’s exciting). I didn’t ask him that (did he see me fight), like, hey, did you see that Breazeale or Luis Ortiz fight? (laughs). Maybe this fight coming up (Tyson Fury) — hey Pope — click that button (buy pay per view) if you can’t be there! It’s on Fox!” (laughs).”
He added:
“It was just amazing. To name me the boxing ambassador of peace and you know my profession is like, so (laughs), the opposite of peace. I knock men put. I knock their brains out of their heads literally. All over the canvas. Then their body does weird things. And I’m the ambassador of peace? But, when I look it at, (the title) it resembles who I am. Every bit of it (I’m a diverse person). Outside of the ring I’m a peaceful man. I love all people. I’m the type of person that likes to motivate people and inspire you to do great things.”
Deontay Wilder’s next fight takes place against Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch on February 22nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The fight will be a joint pay per view between Fox and ESPN.
