Deontay Wilder marked a significant step in his comeback journey on Friday night, June 27, 2025, with a seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The former WBC heavyweight champion, known as the 'Bronze Bomber,' showed a mix of patience and power to secure his first win since October 2022, ending a challenging stretch that saw him lose four of his previous five fights.
Wilder, now holding a professional record of 44-4-1 with 43 knockouts, demonstrated his trademark resilience and strategic approach throughout the bout. Although the knockdowns he scored in the second and sixth rounds were described as unconvincing by some observers, they nonetheless set the tone for the fight. Herndon, sporting red gloves, shorts, and boots, surprised many with his head movement and defensive skills, but ultimately succumbed to Wilder's relentless pressure in the seventh round when the referee stopped the contest after two clean right hands.
Reflecting on the fight, Wilder shared from his dressing room, "It felt really good and it was a blessing to get back in there and get the rust off. I'm satisfied with the performance, but I'm also not satisfied because there is more to come. I wanted him to throw a little bit more but I appreciate Herndon for dedicating himself. I wanted to work on some countering with the overhand right hand. I don't think he was expecting me to throw the hooks that I was throwing. I wanted to display more than just a right hand." His words underline a fighter still refining his craft and eager to prove he remains a force in the heavyweight division.
Wilder’s path back to form has not been without hardship. He endured back-to-back losses against Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in June 2024, compounded by a severe shoulder injury that operated at just 20 percent capacity during those bouts. "A lot of people don't understand how severe my shoulder injury was, or what I have been through, and they'll never understand," he admitted. "They don't want to hear any excuses from the fighters. I did the best that I could do to cover it up in my last several fights. My shoulder was at like 20 percent. But I'm a fighter and a warrior. I had to do my thing. Now that it's all recovered and healed, I'm able to hold my hand up." This recovery has reignited Wilder’s ambitions, with plans for two more tune-up fights this year before targeting a major showdown in 2026.
Looking ahead, Wilder intends to keep his momentum going with another fight possibly slated for September 2025, with South Korea mentioned as a potential location, and a further bout in December at a venue yet to be confirmed. "We're going with the plan that we have," Wilder said. "I definitely need a couple of more tuneups. There is a lot more work to be done so I can really feel satisfied and feel that I have truly returned." His manager, Shelly Finkel, echoed this sentiment, revealing that multiple inquiries about Wilder’s availability had already come in within hours of the victory. "It's not an issue of opponents for us," Finkel stated. "If you look around the landscape, there are not many big heavyweight fights that you want to make. There are a few. Deontay can figure into any of them ... We don't want to fight for the sake of a payday. We want to fight, win [titles], and defend it once he wins like he did before. I hope that the things that have derailed him have made him stronger, and now, he's going to show it."
One of the most tantalizing prospects on the horizon is a long-anticipated matchup against Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified divisional champion. The fight has been simmering for over seven years, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash of these heavyweight titans. Joshua, who currently holds a record of 28-4 with 25 knockouts, is also navigating a pivotal phase in his career after a recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently hinted at the possibility of Joshua facing Wilder between October and December 2025 before a potential bout against Tyson Fury, completing what he described as the "full set" of elite heavyweights Joshua could face.
However, the heavyweight landscape is dynamic, and other intriguing contenders could feature in Wilder’s comeback trail. Derek Chisora, a seasoned British heavyweight with 49 fights under his belt, offers a durable and challenging test. A victory over Chisora would reaffirm Wilder’s status as a top contender, while a win for Chisora could serve as a fitting farewell for the veteran fighter.
Emerging talents also present compelling matchups. Moses Itauma, known for his impressive knockout rate and scheduled to face Dillian Whyte in August 2025, could provide a high-stakes passing of the torch moment. Similarly, Martin Bakole, despite recent setbacks including a knockout loss to Joseph Parker and a draw with Efe Ajagba, remains a respected name in the division. A win against Bakole would bolster Wilder’s credentials significantly.
On the other hand, Wilder might opt for fights against lesser-known opponents like Curtis Harper, who he was rumored to face earlier this year. These bouts could serve as confidence boosters and strategic steps toward bigger challenges, including the potential Joshua showdown.
In the broader heavyweight picture, Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight with Tyson Fury, reportedly set for September 2025 and possibly streamed on Netflix, adds another layer of intrigue. Should Joshua emerge victorious, a fourth fight between Wilder and Fury could become a highly marketable event, especially if Wilder continues to demonstrate the patience and power he exhibited in Wichita.
At 39, with his 40th birthday approaching in September 2025, Wilder is embracing a new chapter. His approach in the Herndon fight showed a level of composure and tactical restraint that bodes well for his future endeavors. "This is a new beginning for me," Wilder said after the fight. "I was laid up a long time getting myself back together, and it's been a long road for me. I'm just glad to be back in the ring, you know."
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Deontay Wilder’s return adds excitement and anticipation. Whether it’s a blockbuster bout against Anthony Joshua, a grueling test against Derek Chisora, or a passing of the torch with Moses Itauma, the Bronze Bomber is making it clear: he’s back, and ready to fight his way back to the top.
