Above: At the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Monday were, from left, Birmingham Mayor William Bell, BCRI CEO Andrea Taylor and WBC Champ Deontay Wilder. (Angel Hufham/contributed)

Birmingham has taken it on the chin over the years with an image of dogs and fire hoses. Mayor William Bell Tuesday said the city is coming out swinging today to change its image and he has heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in his corner to help that happen.

The mayor joined Wilder at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The champ, who will make the second defense of his World Boxing Council title Saturday against Johann Duhaupas, was about to take his first tour of the facility.

Bell said Birmingham has always been known for its civil rights past. The effort now, he said, is to let the world see the Birmingham of today, a city that was built on men and women of all races coming together to change society and the availability of opportunities for all.

“The Birmingham we have today is primed and ready for what Deontay brings to the table,” Bell said. “He’s inviting the world to come here to see his talents and skills. That speaks volumes.”

The mayor said he fielded calls from around the globe following Wilder’s first title defense, a ninth-round knockout of Eric Molina in June at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Bartow Arena.

Said Bell: “That’s what this gentleman is doing to help us really tell the story of Birmingham, the Birmingham of today looking forward.”

Wilder said he made history in his first title defense, which was the first heavyweight championship bout in the state. This time, his fight will be nationally televised on NBC.

“This is going to be the first time in over 30 years – since 1985 – that a heavyweight champion has fought on NBC,” Wilder said. “We’re making history all over.”

Bell said Wilder is helping to change the flavor of Birmingham.

“He’s changed it to a whole different flavor,” Bell said. “I really appreciate that.”

The Tuscaloosa native said he looked forward to touring the institute, saying that it is important to know your roots.

“Without what happened years ago, I wouldn’t be here, a lot of us wouldn’t be here in freedom,” Wilder said. “I definitely don’t take it for granted.”