According to reports, former WBC heavyweight world champion boxer, Deontay Wilder, was arrested and detained during a routine traffic stop in Los Angeles.
Police allegedly discovered a firearm in his Rolls-Royce.
American outlet TMZ, who broke the story, say the incident occurred at 1:15am on Tuesday morning.
The report adds that the 37-year-old was was pulled over by police in Hollywood while driving his Rolls-Royce.
Wilder’s car allegedly had ‘illegally-tinted windows’, as well as an obstructed licence plate.
TMZ also reports that they searched the vehicle after smelling ‘burnt marijuana.’
They then discovered a 9mm pistol, as well as cannabis, inside Wilder‘s Rolls-Royce.
The American fighter was taken into custody on a charge of ‘possession of a concealed weapon.’
It’s not clear how Wilder’s reported arrest will impact negotiations for a potential fight with Anthony Joshua.
It’s also reported that Wilder was ‘cooperative and nice’ during the arrest. It’s understood he was released at 6:34am.
The news hasn’t been confirmed by Wilder’s team, however, he tweeted a cryptic message shortly after the story broke.
“I’d rather be safe than sorry. The End,” Wilder said.
I’d rather be safe than sorry. The End 🙏🏿
— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) May 2, 2023
It remains to be seen if the arrest will have any impact on any reported negotiations over a potential fight with Anthony Joshua.
Wilder, who boasts a 43-2-1 record, is eyeing a showdown with the Brit in Saudi Arabia after bouncing back from a double defeat to Tyson Fury with victory over Robert Helenius in October.