Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has formally denied allegations that he physically assaulted the son of his former fiancée, Telli Swift, in a new response to an ongoing civil lawsuit.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ on Sept. 30, Wilder disputes Kerron Swift’s account of the alleged abuse and argues that any injuries the plaintiff suffered resulted from pre-existing conditions or events unrelated to him.
His attorneys are also challenging the claims involving assault, battery, false imprisonment and emotional distress, along with the damages Kerron is seeking.
Kerron filed the lawsuit in April, accusing Wilder of repeatedly abusing him between 2016 and 2024, including incidents that allegedly occurred while he was a minor. The new filing sets out Wilder’s defense as the case proceeds through Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Wilder’s Attorney Previously Rejected the Accusations
When the complaint became public, Wilder’s attorney, Paul Patterson, issued a statement denying that his client had ever physically disciplined Kerron or any other child.
BBC Sport reported that Patterson characterized the accusations as containing “complete and utter fabrications” and said the boxer intended to defend himself in court.
Patterson also questioned why the complaint had been filed immediately before Wilder’s April fight against Derek Chisora, suggesting that its timing was intended to attract publicity.
Kerron’s legal representatives rejected that suggestion. They maintained that they had attempted to contact Wilder’s counsel before filing the lawsuit and that their decision to proceed was not connected to the upcoming bout.
Kerron Swift Alleges Multiple Incidents of Physical Abuse
The complaint describes several alleged confrontations during the years Kerron and Wilder lived in the same household.
Among the accusations are claims that Wilder struck Kerron, used a belt to discipline him and grabbed him by the throat during another incident.
In its original coverage of the complaint, TMZ reported that Kerron alleged Wilder slapped him inside a vehicle when he was 13, causing his head to strike the interior.
Kerron also described a 2019 incident in which Wilder allegedly struck him with a belt, leaving bruises, and a confrontation in 2022 during which he claims the boxer grabbed his throat, lifted him from the floor and slammed him against a wall.
Those accounts are allegations contained in Kerron’s civil complaint and have not been established through a final court ruling.
The Case Was Filed Days Before Wilder’s Fight With Derek Chisora
The Los Angeles County court calendar identifies the lawsuit as Kerron Swift v. Deontay Wilder, case number 26PSCV01214, filed on April 2, 2026.
Wilder was preparing to face Chisora at London’s O2 Arena on April 4. The former WBC heavyweight champion went on to win the contest by split decision.
Kerron is pursuing financial damages for the physical and psychological harm he alleges resulted from Wilder’s conduct. He has requested a jury trial, with the amount of compensation to be determined through the legal proceedings.
Wilder’s latest response challenges both the underlying accusations and the claimed connection between his alleged actions and Kerron’s reported injuries.