Boxer visit was just knockout

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP JETS IN FROM USA FOR RESTAURANT OPENING

KIRKLEES Council leader Shabir Pandor was knocked out to meet world heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder.

The American boxer made a surprise appearance at the opening of Mr T’s restaurant in Bradford Road, Batley, on Thursday night.

Wilder, 33, who goes by nicknames the Bronze Bomber and the Alabama Slammer, also visited Bradford salon Prity, according to reports.

Clr Pandor, a Labour councillor in Batley West, tweeted this picture of his close encounter.

He said: “He’s a knockout! Great to meet the @WBCBoxing champ of the world, Deontay Wilder @BronzeBomber at the opening of Mr T’s in #Batley.

“DW is a big man with a big heart. His ambition matches that of the owners of yet another new enterprise in my hometown.”

Wilder also met Batley and Spen Labour MP Tracy Brabin, who tweeted: “It’s amazing to see so many businesses choosing Batley to be their home, and for us to welcome a world class athlete.”

Wilder loved his welcome in Batley and tweeted: “Thanks to all my UK fans for the continuous love you give. “What an amazing time every damn time from start literally to finish you guys don’t stop.”

A l a b a ma - b o r n Wilder has held the WBC heavyweight title since 2015. Wilder’s next two fights are against Luis Ortiz and Tyson Fury, both rematches. He will face Ortiz in November and Fury in February.

Speaking in Batley, he said: “Ortiz is definitely happening. I am looking forward to fighting him. After I knock him out I will go to Fury, knock him out and then we will go for a unification.” DW is a big man with a big heart. His ambition

matches that of the owners of yet another new enterprise in my

hometown.