Former WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder was arrested in Los Angeles following a routine traffic stop, according to a report by TMZ. The 6-foot-7 fighter was pulled over in Hollywood at around 1:15 AM after LAPD officers claimed his Rolls-Royce’s windows were illegally tinted and his license plate was obstructed.
During the stop, police say they smelled an odor of burnt marijuana coming from his vehicle and searched the car. TMZ, citing their sources, indicates that officers allegedly found weed and a 9mm handgun in the vehicle, leading to Wilder’s arrest on a charge of possession of a concealed weapon.
Despite the circumstances, Wilder was said to be cooperative and friendly throughout the entire ordeal. Jail records show he bonded out at 6:34 AM.
Wilder, with a 43-2-1 fighter with 42 knockouts on his resume, has been out of action since last October when he demolished Robert Helenius in one round. There is heavy talk that Wilder could potentially face former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua at the end of the year in the Middle East. Another longtime option is a WBC final eliminator against former unified champion Andy Ruiz.
Wilder has been one of the biggest names in the heavyweight division over the last decade, holding the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020. He has been involved in some of the most exciting and high-profile fights in recent years, including two bouts with Tyson Fury, one of which ended in a controversial draw and the other in a loss for Wilder.
While Wilder’s legal troubles may be a minor setback, his potential bouts with Joshua and Ruiz could put him right back in the spotlight. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see if these fights come to fruition and if Wilder can regain his title as the heavyweight champion of the world.