Deontay Wilder says, “The King has returned” with his comeback against the veteran Tyrrell Anthony Herndon this Friday, June 27th, at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas and live on PPV.com
In training footage this week, Wilder looks just as fast and powerful as ever. Physically, he’s levels above his faded conqueror Tyson Fury, but the only question is, does he still have the mental willingness to use his power?
Wilder’s Comeback: The King Returns
He’s looked timid and afraid to throw punches in his last two fights against Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker. Unsurprisingly, Deontay lost both fights. If he fights like he did in those contests against Herndon, he’ll lose on Friday. A defeat against this low-level opponent would be the end of Wilder’s career.
Herndon was obliterated in two rounds by 2020 Olympic Silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. in 2023. Since then, Herndon has fought three lesser fighters to build a small three-fight winning streak.
Deontay’s Two-Fight Plan Begins
Deontay’s fight against Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) is part of his two-fight plan this year. He says his next fight will be in December “out of the country.” It’s expected to be Anthony Joshua, provided Wilder is victorious against Herndon.
The former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder (43-4-1, 41 KOs) is coming back from a knockout loss a year ago, and he wants to return to the elite level by capturing world titles.
Wilder vs. Herndon Live Details
The Wilder vs. Herndon event will be shown at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on BLK Prime PPV and PPV.com.
“It’s going to be out of the country. Then I’m going to have another one in December,” said Deontay Wilder to Ariel Helwani’s channel when asked who he plans to fight next after Tyrell Herndon. “I’m just glad to be here. The King has returned. I’m looking forward to June 27th in Wichita, Kansas, and I can’t wait.”
Deontay can forget about fighting Joshua in December if he loses to Herndon. That fight won’t happen. Wilder can still keep his career going, but his options will be poor for a money fight. He’s already lost twice in Saudi events. So, a fight on one of Turki Alalshikh’s cards won’t be happening for ‘The Bronze Bomber.’
Killer Instinct: Wilder’s Mindset
“We signed up for this s***. He’s trying to do what I’m trying to do to him. People say, ‘We’re just going to have a good time,” said Wilder about his killer attitude.
“I hope no one gets hurt.’ Man, f*** that s***. This is what we’re here for. To hurt you. We’re trained to kill. This ain’t no practice. You’re training to hurt somebody,” said Wider.
The problem is that Deontay hasn’t shown the killer mentality inside the ring in most of his last five fights. His tough guy talk hasn’t carried over into the ring.
