It’s official: Wilder bringing heavyweight title fight to Alabama for first time ever

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May 12, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Heavyweight champion and Tuscaloosa native Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will officially defend his title in Birmingham next month, taking on Eric Molina at the Bartow Arena on June 13.

While it has been rumored for several weeks that Wilder would host his first bout as heavyweight champ in Birmingham, confirmation did not come until Tuesday morning.

“Now I’m able to bring it back to the state of Alabama as a champion,” Wilder said. “I can give Alabama its very first title fight in history. And I’m all about making history.”

Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, May 14th, and the fight will be televised on Showtime.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. This is making history,” said Wilder’s co-manager, Jay Deas. “It’s Deontay Wilder, hometown guy, he stayed here, he trained here, he didn’t leave. So it’s a tremendous thing and it’s a great time for Alabama, Tuscaloosa to show the world and Showtime TV what we can do and how we can pack it out.”

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 Bartow arena, with tickets ranging from $25-$300. Tickets will be available on ticketmaster.com and possibly at the UAB box office.