From IHOP to Heavyweight Champ: Deontay Wilder thankful for his pancake-flipping past

—

June 11, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As Heavyweight boxing champ and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native Deontay Wilder prepares to defend his title against Eric Molina Saturday, the Bronze Bomber reminded us what the real fuel of champions is: Pancakes.

.@BronzeBomber it’s only right that the world champ of boxing came from the world champ of pancakes! Good luck on Saturday! #WilderMolina

— IHOP (@IHOP) June 11, 2015

“Deontay Wilder has come a long way from the days when he was a waiter at IHOP making around $70 a day in tips and then $400 a week working in a Red Lobster kitchen, having been forced to drop out of school to earn money to take care of his ill daughter,” said ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael after Wilder won the title in January. “Now his daughter is doing well, and Wilder is the proud owner of a world heavyweight title courtesy of a superb performance in a one-sided decision victory against Bermane Stiverne.”

The undefeated (33-0) Wilder will take on Texan Eric Molina (23-2), an aggressive fighter who has won his last five bouts.

9,000 people are expected to watch the match live in Birmingham’s Bartow arena, with tickets ranging from $25-$300.

Like this article? Hate it? Follow me and let me know how you feel on Twitter!

— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015

Recent in Sports

Auburn fan’s shirt hurled at Nate Oats becomes signed NIL gold for Alabama

Michael Brauner — 4 weeks ago

If Alabama knows anything, it’s how to get the last laugh. The Crimson Tide won a thrilling game over the weekend on the road against the Auburn Tigers to pull ahead in the SEC standings and earn a huge victory over their rival — the second year in a row at Neville Arena. As is always […]

NCAA ‘not in a position’ to further punish Alabama following Bediako ruling

Michael Brauner — 4 weeks ago

The Crimson Tide men’s basketball program got a disappointing piece of news Monday afternoon, but it’s looking like the NCAA is choosing not to rub salt in the wound. Center and former G-League pro Charles Bediako was denied his bid for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA to keep playing the rest of the season. […]