In This Article

  • Boxing Comeback Victory Over Tyrrell Herndon
  • Custody Battle Update: Court Denies Joint Custody Request
  • Allegations and Restraining Order Against Wilder
  • Professional Challenges and Recent Fight Record
  • Court's Conditions for Visitation and Therapy
  • Wilder's Reflections and Balancing Career with Legal Struggles

Key Takeaways

  • Deontay Wilder returned to boxing on June 27 with a TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon in his seventh-round comeback fight.
  • A Los Angeles court denied Wilder's joint custody request for his daughter Kaorii amid allegations of physical abuse and mental health issues from her mother, Shuntel Swift.
  • Court documents revealed Swift accused Wilder of choking and repeated physical assaults since 2015, leading to monitored visitation rights for Wilder.
  • The court ruled Wilder must complete mandated anger management and therapy sessions before unmonitored visitation with Kaorii can be considered in a July 14 hearing.
  • Wilder acknowledged his prolonged personal struggles but emphasized his focus on rebuilding his life and career after a four-year hiatus from boxing.

Former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder marked a triumphant return to the boxing ring on June 27, defeating Tyrrell Herndon by TKO in the seventh round. However, Wilder's personal life remains embroiled in a legal battle over the custody of his 6-year-old daughter, Kaorii.

Just nine days before his victory, on June 18, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge denied Wilder’s request for joint custody of his youngest child. The custody dispute stems from allegations made by Shuntel "Telli" Swift, Wilder’s former fiancée and the mother of Kaorii. In June 2024, Swift was granted a temporary restraining order against Wilder, citing claims of physical abuse and deteriorating mental health.

According to court documents, Swift alleged that Wilder had physically assaulted her at least 10 times since their relationship began in 2015, including incidents of choking. The court ordered that Wilder’s visits with Kaorii be monitored as part of the restraining order.

Wilder, 39, has faced a challenging period both personally and professionally, losing four of his last five fights prior to his recent victory. In his bid for joint custody, Wilder highlighted concerns about Kaorii’s living arrangements with Swift and her boyfriend, John Johnson III, a former NFL safety. Wilder claimed that Kaorii’s frequent stays at Johnson’s home, located 45 miles from her previous residence, led to 18 unexcused absences from school.

The court, however, ruled against Wilder, emphasizing the need for him to comply with previously mandated anger management and cognitive analytic therapy sessions. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 14, where discussions about unmonitored visitation rights are expected to take place.

Following his win against Herndon, Wilder reflected on his journey, stating, "I laid off a long time getting myself back together, getting myself mentally, physically, emotionally back together. It’s been a long road for me." Despite his success in the ring, Wilder’s ongoing legal challenges continue to cast a shadow over his personal life.

As the custody battle unfolds, Wilder remains focused on his boxing career while navigating the complexities of his legal and familial disputes.

Tags:

#Boxing #Sports News #Deontay Wilder #custody battle #legal dispute