Alabama’s Deontay Wilder becomes first heavyweight champ to publish a children’s book

Tuscaloosa boxer Deontay Wilder isn’t satisfied with simply being the reigning Heavyweight Champion of the World, so he’s publishing a children’s book.

Wilder, who was honored at Alabama’s State Senate yesterday, is releasing “Deontay the Future World Champ,” a story based on his life to inspire the next generation of children.

Here’s the overview of the book:

This is a children’s book about determination, eating right and exercising everyday in order to achieve your goals. Based on true-life events of Heavy Weight World Champion Deontay Wilder, aka “The Bronze Bomber”. This book contains a positive message for children of all ages.

Wilder at one point hoped to play football at Alabama, but dropped out of school at Shelton State Community College to work and take care of his daughter who suffers from spina bifida. He worked odd jobs from IHOP, Red Lobster and delivering beer kegs, but he eventually found his way to boxing and the rest is history. He defeated Bermane Stiverne in January to win the WBC Heavyweight Championship and has yet to schedule his first title defense fight.

Wilder’s book, written by Tony Bowers and illustrated by Dan Monroe, is out now, and is the first children’s book to be published by a boxer, according to Wilder.