Bridger Walker receives Honorary Champion belt from WBC after dog attack

Bridger Walker went viral last week after saving his sister's life in a dog attack. Photo / Supplied

Six-year-old Bridger Walker has been awarded "Honorary" WBC Champion status for his legendary act of bravery which went viral on social media last week.

Walker became a household name after he prevented his younger sister from being mauled by a dog.

After standing between the canine and his 4-year-old sister, the American boy was bitten on the left cheek, and required 90 stitches. He was heard saying moments after the incident: "If someone had to die, I thought it should be me."

Walker received praise from all over the world after his story of courage went viral — his aunt's Instagram post about the ordeal has received over 1.5 million likes and 43,000 comments.

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Hey, all. Please, share my nephew’s story so that it gets as much exposure as it can. We know that our little hero would love some words of encouragement from his favorite heroes. On July 9th, my six year old nephew Bridger saved his little sister’s life by standing between her and a charging dog. After getting bit several times on the face and head, he grabbed his sister’s hand and ran with her to keep her safe. He later said, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” After receiving 90 stitches (give or take) from a skilled plastic surgeon, he’s finally resting at home. We love our brave boy and want all the other superheroes to know about this latest hero who joined their ranks. @tomholland2013 @chrishemsworth @robertdowneyjr @markruffalo @prattprattpratt @twhiddleston @chadwickboseman @vindiesel @chrisevans EDIT: I just finished visiting with Bridger at his home. His wounds are looking so much better! He’s in great spirits, and his awesome personality is intact. He can’t smile too widely yet, but he was grinning as I read some of your comments to him. I’d also like to mention here that the dog’s owners are really great people who have been nothing but kind to Bridger and his family. We feel no resentment toward them at all, and—if anything—there’s only been an increase of love between our families as a result of this incident. EDIT 2: Once again we’re blown away by the amazing comments and messages that Bridger’s receiving. I’ve had lots of inquiries about a GoFundMe. Bridger’s family has asked that any one wishing to help out financially can, instead, donate to @mission_22 or @wwp. Bridger is also a huge fan of Science, especially Geology. So I’m going to start a post where people can share with him pictures of cool rocks that they see. EDIT 3: Once again, everyone’s kindness has meant so much to us. I’m trying to get to all of the messages that I can, but it may take some time. For those who have inquired about sending Bridger some rocks, we are so thankful. However, we are asking that those inspired by Bridger to do something kind for another person in Bridger’s honor.

A post shared by Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 12, 2020 at 8:53am PDT

Avengers stars Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo each paid tribute to the child via social media.

To congratulate Bridger, the World Boxing Council sent him an "Honorary Champion" belt, and an image of the beaming youngster was shared to his aunt Nikki Walker's Instagram.

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It’s true. Bridger was made an honorary World Champion by @wbcboxing. They told me they would send him a belt, but I didn’t realize it would be THAT belt! The family and I spent much of the day opening the cards and packages Bridger has received. It’s been such a surreal experience for us, because we recognize that each envelope and box represents an individual or family who used their time and resources to wish Bridger well. We wish that we could meet each one of you to thank you in person. Our hearts are filled to overflowing, and thank you hardly seems sufficient.

A post shared by Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 21, 2020 at 8:32pm PDT

"We are honoured to name 6-year-old Bridger Walker, WBC Honorary Champion, for his brave actions that represent the best values ​​of humanity," WBC tweeted. "Bridger, you're a hero."

Bridger's mum thanked her followers for all the messages of support received since the tragic incident.

"They told me they would send him a belt, but I didn't realize it would be THAT belt!" she posted alongside the image.

"The family and I spent much of the day opening the cards and packages Bridger has received. It's been such a surreal experience for us, because we recognise that each envelope and box represents an individual or family who used their time and resources to wish Bridger well.

"We wish that we could meet each one of you to thank you in person. Our hearts are filled to overflowing, and thank you hardly seems sufficient."

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman also passed on a message of congratulations via Twitter.

AND THE NEW WBC CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, Bridger "The bravest man on Earth" Walker !

We are so proud of you, dear Bridger; You are a real life hero! pic.twitter.com/9hDUjRohzg

— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) July 21, 2020

Ruffalo was one of the first high-profile names to comment on Walker's story.

"People who put the wellbeings of others in front of themselves are the most heroic and thoughtful people I know," Ruffalo wrote.

"I truly respect and admire your courage and your heart. Real courage isn't dominating people or fighting against people or walking around like a tough guy. Real courage is knowing what is right to do and doing it even when it might end up hurting you somehow.

"You are more of a man than many, many I have seen or known."