THE LOVER &
THE FIGHTER
By Andre Hammonds
Earlier this month the JMG Lifestyle team had the pleasure of speaking with Heavyweight Boxing Champion Of The World, Deontay Wilder and his fiancé Telli Swift, behind the scenes at their exclusive cover shoot. The room was filled with eagerness and excitement as we photographed the couple for their very 1st shoot and cover together. What better issue than our February issue to share the beautiful story of Deontay and Telli. The energy in was palatable and couple looked more in love than ever as they shared how they met, and how they continue to support each other. Read the full article below and checkout the stunning pictures from this amazing shoot!
Telli, How did you Deontay first meet?
We met at LAX airport 4 years ago. We saw each other from a distance at check in, then again at TSA, then he finally spoke to me while we were both going to our gates. (While we were talking my friend came (I just got out of the hospital from an infection in my leg which I thought I was going to get amputated if the antibiotics didn’t work) and I completely stopped talking to him and told my friend what happened with my leg ) and he left. Leave it to IG DMs we got in touch with each other two weeks before my family reunion which so happen to be in Alabama where Deontay is from. The rest is history.
How important is it for you to support each other’s individual careers?
It’s Very important to support each other because we learn and grow from each other. We pray together which we believe makes us stay together. Without each other’s support we wouldn’t be as successful as we are today on both ends.
Telli what does it look like to standby Deontay throughout his career. What types of things do you do to support him after a big fight?
It’s takes a lot of love strength and patient to support someone who puts their life on the line as their career. Showing him love and nursing him back to good health are just a couple things I do, as well as throw him parties to celebrate his victories allowing him to decompress from all the blood, sweat and tears he puts into his craft.
Telli what’s next for you, what projects are you working on?
I’m working on a capsule collection clothing line of one of one pieces that caters to influential women of the century. Hopefully (if it gets finish in time , we can showcase it at LAFW in March) .
Deontay what can we expect from the next fight and when will it be?
A knockout. Hopefully it’ll be around mid May in Vegas or Brooklyn.
Tell us briefly about the viral video and how you keep that amazing energy?
I’m just passionate about what I say and what I believe in. I have a platform that allows me to express my voice and speak for the voiceless.
That is a great statement. Thank you both for the being so inspiring and positive. Publishers Chinga Moalusi and Robert Horton noted that you both embody the JMG Lifestyle
spirit driven by the love and the passion of going after your dreams, fight thru all opposition and come out on top at the end of it all knowing you gave your all.
Readers connect with Deontay and Telli on social media @BronzeBomber @TelliSwift
Photos Credit: John Allen Phillips (ClickWestLA)
