AFCON 2025
Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder (44‑4‑1, 43 KOs) returned to winning ways by stopping Tyrrell Herndon via technical knockout in the seventh round on June 28, 2025.
The victory marks Wilder’s first win since his 2022 knockout of Robert Helenius, ending a nearly three-year drought.
The bout saw Wilder gradually find his rhythm after a cautious start. He scored an early knockdown in round two, though it appeared Herndon may have slipped.
In round six, Wilder connected with a short left that dropped Herndon more convincingly. Finally, in round seven, a series of unanswered right hands left Herndon defenseless and prompted the referee to wave off the fight at 2:16.
After the win, Wilder reflected on his comeback, stating, “It felt great… I was off a long time getting myself back together mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s been a long road for me. I’m just glad to be back in the ring.”
Though the performance lacked the explosive power and sharpness of his prime, Wilder appeared relieved and energized to be active again.
Wilder and his team reportedly plan two more tune-up fights before targeting a long-awaited mega-fight against Anthony Joshua in 2026.
Promoters and boxing analysts are already calling for Wilder vs. Joshua to serve as a final eliminator, with both fighters looking to re-establish themselves in a shifting heavyweight landscape.
While this victory does not yet restore Wilder’s dominance, it opens the door to bigger opportunities and puts his career back on track for one more significant run at the top.
