Deontay Wilder: "I'm Back on My Mission"

Tuscaloosa, Alabama - Deontay Wilder is set to return to the ring on June 27 at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas and this time, he’s bringing more than just power. After a long and painful battle outside the ropes, Wilder opened up in an emotional interview with 78SPORTSTV about his mental and physical recovery, his renewed purpose, and what lies ahead in the final chapters of his career.

Wilder, 43-4-1 (42 KOs), hasn’t fought since a crushing loss to Zhilei Zhang last summer and says he has been quietly dealing with serious shoulder problems that have plagued him for over five years. "It’s been pain 24/7. Every time I threw my right hand, it hurt. You learn to hesitate. I had to retrain my body and my mind," Wilder said. Now, with successful surgeries and extensive rehab behind him, he insists: "I'm pain-free. That right hand? It's coming with no delay now."

The former WBC title holder says his upcoming fight against Tyrell Herndon is more than a comeback—it's a reset. "This fight is to see where I am. We’ve got a plan—three fights this year, and I want to finish strong," Wilder explained. While some critics called Herndon a soft return, Wilder disagrees. "It's not about the name. It’s about the step. I’m building. We could’ve jumped into something big, but it would’ve defeated the purpose."

Wilder has been on a journey of spiritual and emotional healing, too. He openly described the need for a wellness check and mental reset. "I was broken. I didn’t even know what was wrong with me at first. You try to talk yourself through it, but that ain’t enough. I had to face reality."

The Alabama native admits he's still carrying a mix of emotions. "I got pain and hate in my heart—but I need it. That little bit keeps me sharp. Keeps me going. I’m not bitter, but I’m awake."

Wilder also revealed he’s been building his own state-of-the-art gym, the Kings of God Army Arena. "I needed a place that inspired me. Something that felt like a gym but also like fight night. When I walk in, the energy just hits me. It’s a sanctuary."

Looking forward, Wilder remains committed to his long-held dream: undisputed heavyweight champion. While he doesn't expect an Anthony Joshua fight this year, he's optimistic about next year or the one after. "I’m still on that mission. I’ve been delayed, but I haven’t been denied. This ain’t about who gets there first—it’s about who can get up after falling and still finish the race."

Wilder’s story is now bigger than boxing. It’s about resilience, purpose, and redemption. And for those wondering if the Bronze Bomber still has something to say in this era of heavyweight boxing, he has a message:

"They’ll have to kill me to stop me. I’m here. I’m whole. And I’m coming for everything they said I couldn’t have."