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

Deontay Wilder
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.

“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.


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