Deontay Wilder plans to step back into the boxing ring on June 27 in Wichita. The 39-year-old knockout artist from Tuscaloosa, Alabama will face Tyrrell Herndon after a year away from the sport.
Wilder's last two fights didn't go his way. He lost on points to Joseph Parker and got knocked out by Zhilei Zhang, both in Saudi Arabia. Now, he's ready to show he's still got what it takes.
ESPN reports that Wilder will face Herndon in his comeback fight. The former WBC champion isn't holding back, saying:
"Deontay Wilder has returned. Everybody better respect the name."
Wilder promises to bring back his ferocious style after seeming cautious in recent bouts.
While Wilder prepares for his return, he's also caught up in a war of words with Jarrell Miller. Miller, who once lost his shot at Anthony Joshua due to failed drug tests, calls himself "the most feared heavyweight" and wants to fight Wilder.
Wilder didn't mince words when he responded to Miller's challenge. In an interview, he said:
"The only thing he's smashing is burgers, and he barely do that well. With him, it's all talk, talk, talk. But if that fight does land for him, I can't wait for it. I hope he's already paid for his grave burial. I don't play around. If I saw him today I'd slap the f**k outta him right now."
Miller has his own fight coming up. He'll face former British Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley on June 7 at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich. Miller's last fight ended in a controversial draw with Andy Ruiz Jr, though many fans thought Miller won.
Wilder's comeback fight against Herndon will be a key test. If he wins convincingly, he'll look to get back in the mix with the top heavyweights. For now, all eyes will be on Wichita on June 27 to see if the "Bronze Bomber" still has his knockout power.
