Former World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder was arrested in Los Angeles during a routine traffic stop for possession of a concealed weapon. The police officers also found marijuana in his vehicle along with a 9mm handgun. Wilder, who had been training in California for a return to the ring, was friendly and cooperative during his arrest. He was released later after providing a bail of $35,000. The boxer faces charges of possessing a concealed weapon, for which he could face a fine of $10,000 and a felony charge that may lead to up to three years in jail if convicted. Wilder is famed for his impressive record of 43-2-1 with 42 knockouts. TMZ reported that the boxer does not have a fight scheduled for the rest of 2023, but rumours have linked him with a possible fight against Anthony Joshua.
The arrest of Deontay Wilder is not the first interaction he has had with law enforcement. In 2013, he was charged with domestic violence though he was never convicted. Since then, Wilder has been an upstanding member of society, promoting his sport and being an inspiration to many. But incidents like this put everything into question as to whether he should be allowed to be in the ring, setting an example to his fans and the sporting world.
The 9mm handgun found in his vehicle raises many questions, particularly about his reasons for possessing it. Carrying a concealed weapon is illegal in the United States, subject to specific legal requirements. While the laws concerning concealed weapons continue to receive controversial and polarised responses across the country, the arrest of individuals in possession of concealed weapons continues. Such circumstances could have been avoided if Deontay Wilder had adhered to the rules and regulations.
The boxer’s arrest, along with the recent shooting and killing of professional boxer Ernest Hall, highlights the prevalent gun violence in American society. Hall was murdered in a mass shooting last month in Baltimore, which saw a 15-year-old boy being arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder. Hall, known as “Lightning Bug,” had just started a professional boxing career in 2016. His family was a victim of gun violence that he sought to escape by pursuing a career in sports.
In many US cities, gun violence is a daily occurrence, with far-reaching effects throughout the community. The murder of Ernest Hall, similar to other instances of gun violence, raises questions about how to curb gun possession and minimise its risks. Calls to reform gun laws have persistently been made, though this has been met with opposition from those who claim such changes infringe on their constitutional rights.
In conclusion, the arrest of Deontay Wilder for possession of a concealed weapon is a reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the need for tighter control and enforcement of gun possession laws. The laxity in gun possession laws in some states increases the risk of gun violence, and the consequences can be lethal as in the case of Ernest Hall. While rumours had linked Wilder to a possible fight against Joshua, the arrest puts that in question. Though Wilder is presumed innocent until proven guilty, his standing as a role model to young people means he has to be cautious in his actions. The authorities have a huge responsibility to protect communities from the scourge of gun violence by ensuring robust enforcement of gun possession laws.
