Boxing News: Deontay Wilder’s First Title Defense Set For June Against Eric Molina In Birmingham, Alabama

Deontay Wilder and Eric Molina, both of the United States, will fight June 13 at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, in Wilder's first defense of the World Boxing Council heavyweight title he won against Bermane Stiverne last January. Also appearing on the June card will be Jose Pedraza of Puerto Rico and Andrew Klimov of Russia, who will battle for the vacant International Boxing Federation Junior Lightweight world title.

"It's a wonderful feeling to be able to defend my heavyweight championship in my home state. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Wilder said via an official news release. "It was one of my dreams to win a world title. This was my other dream, to be able to defend it before all my fans in Alabama. I can't wait until fight night to step into the ring and see the whole state coming out to support me."

Nicknamed “The Bronze Bomber,” Wilder defeated Stiverne in Las Vegas earlier this year via a 12-round unanimous decision, with scores of 118-109, 119-108 and 120-107.

The 29-year-old Wilder, who is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is undefeated in 33 bouts since turning pro in 2008. He’s a known knockout artist, as 32 of his fights did not go the distance. More impressively, except for his last bout, which needed all 12 rounds, all of Wilder’s other wins did not go past the fourth round -- with victories via knockout, technical knockout or referee technical decision.

The 33-year-old Molina, who is from Raymondville, Texas, and has the nickname “Drummer Boy,” has a record of 23 wins, 2 losses and 17 knockouts. He has won his last five bouts, with three wins by way of knockouts.