Deontay Wilder Is Back: Former Champ Returns June 27 With Eyes on Anthony Joshua

After a tumultuous few years marked by setbacks, surgeries, and soul-searching, Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder is making his long-awaited return to the ring. Set for June 27th at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, Wilder will face veteran Tyrrell Herndon in what he calls “the first step” in reclaiming his place atop the heavyweight division.

For fans who’ve followed Wilder's explosive career—from his 10-title defense reign as WBC Heavyweight Champion to the brutal trilogy with Tyson Fury—this comeback marks a critical turning point.

The Road Back

Wilder’s recent record isn’t the stuff of legend. He’s lost four of his last five fights, including a decision loss to Joseph Parker and a stunning knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang in June 2024. But what many didn’t know until recently was that Wilder was fighting through a major shoulder injury that had drastically diminished his trademark power.

“I wasn’t myself,” Wilder admitted in a recent interview. “I felt like something was missing.”

That "something" turned out to be a serious tear in his right shoulder. After undergoing surgery late last year, Wilder has spent months rehabilitating and regaining strength. According to his longtime manager Shelly Finkel, the surgery was a success—and now, Wilder is reportedly “punching harder than ever.”

Why Tyrrell Herndon?

Tyrrell Herndon may not be a household name, but with a 24-5 record and solid experience, he presents the right kind of challenge for Wilder’s return. This isn’t about facing a top-5 contender right out of the gate—it’s about knocking off the rust, testing that surgically repaired shoulder, and setting the tone for what could be a massive year ahead.

“This is just the beginning,” Wilder said. “I know what I’m capable of when I’m 100%. You’re going to see that again.”

Eyes on the Prize: Anthony Joshua

While the June fight is the immediate focus, Wilder has made it no secret that a blockbuster matchup with Anthony Joshua is still very much on his radar. In fact, Wilder says a Joshua fight “isn’t happening this year, but it’s closer than you think.”

If Wilder performs well against Herndon and shows flashes of his former self, the demand for a Joshua vs. Wilder super-fight could reach a fever pitch by late 2025 or early 2026.

That fight, once viewed as the most exciting in all of heavyweight boxing, was derailed by timing, negotiations, and both men suffering key losses. But now? There’s a window.

And Wilder wants to walk through it.

One Last Run?

At 39 years old, Wilder knows the clock is ticking. But if the power is still there—and his shoulder holds up—he may have one final run at glory. The division has changed, but one clean shot from Wilder can still change everything.

Wilder vs. Herndon goes down June 27th. And make no mistake—whether you love him or hate him, Deontay Wilder is still must-watch.

Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for full coverage, highlights, and everything you need to know about Wilder’s return and the future of heavyweight boxing.

Deontay Wilder is coming back!