Deontay Wilder plans to return to the boxing ring on June 27. The former heavyweight champ will face Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
Wilder, known as "The Bronze Bomber," aims to make one final push to recapture the world heavyweight title. The 39-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, last fought almost exactly a year ago when Zhilei Zhang knocked him out.
ESPN reports that Wilder will take on Herndon in a non-title heavyweight showdown. However, some prominent figures in boxing urge Wilder to reconsider his decision and retire.
Tony Bellew, a former world cruiserweight champion, hopes Wilder will hang up his gloves for good. Bellew shared his thoughts on social media:
"I wish Deontay Wilder well and hope he now thinks about his wealth and ultimately his health … He's done. Resistance and hunger are both gone."
Bellew thinks Wilder should have retired after the Zhang loss to avoid unnecessary punishment.
If Wilder beats Herndon, he might face Anthony Joshua next. Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, also finds himself at a crossroads after a shocking defeat to Daniel Dubois last September.
Another potential opponent for Wilder is Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller. Miller has said he'd welcome a future showdown with the former WBC heavyweight champion.
Wilder held the WBC heavyweight title for several years before losing it. Now, at 39, he'll try to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.
