Deontay Wilder gets ready to step back into the ring on June 27 in Kansas. The former WBC heavyweight champion will face Tyrrell Herndon after nearly a year away from boxing.
Wilder, known for his knockout power, dominated the heavyweight division before his trilogy with Tyson Fury. He drew the first fight in December 2018 but lost the next two by stoppage. After that, he bounced back with a win over Robert Helenius.
But 2023 wasn't kind to the American. He lost on points to Joseph Parker in December and got stopped by Zhilei Zhang in June. Now, he's looking to turn things around.
His opponent, 37-year-old Herndon from San Antonio, brings a record of 24 wins and 5 losses to the fight. ESPN reports that this matchup will mark Wilder's return to action.
Promoter Eddie Hearn shared his thoughts on Wilder's comeback in an interview with iFL TV:
"Wilder being in the heavyweight division is great for the sport. Wilder probably needs a real easy comeback fight. If he can't deal with this guy he's got to pack it in."
Hearn sees this as an "easy comeback fight" for Wilder. The outcome will likely shape Wilder's future in boxing.
Looking ahead, Wilder still has his sights set on a showdown with Anthony Joshua. The two have been linked for years, and Wilder believes they'll meet in the ring within the next two years.
Joshua, however, is currently sidelined. He's recovering from an injury after losing to IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September. Dubois stopped him in five rounds.
For now, all eyes will be on Wilder's performance on June 27. It'll show whether the former champ still has what it takes to compete at the highest level of heavyweight boxing.
