Deontay Wilder Returns with TKO Win Over Tyrell Herndon

Wichita, Kansas - Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) made a successful return to the ring Friday night, scoring a 7th-round TKO over Tyrell Herndon (24-6, 15 KOs) at the Prudential Arena in Wichita. The fight marked Wilder’s first bout since parting ways with longtime trainer Malik Scott earlier in the week, and his first win since 2022.

While the Alabama puncher didn’t score one of his trademark one-punch knockouts, the result was clear: this was a statement comeback.

A Calculated Approach

Wilder entered the ring at a lean 225 pounds and took a measured approach in the early rounds. He controlled the center of the ring with his jab, gradually walking Herndon down. The Texan challenger moved well defensively and avoided major damage early, but had little to offer in return.

In Round 2, Herndon landed a clean check hook that dropped Wilder for a flash knockdown. Though Wilder wasn’t hurt, the shot was clean and scored.

Wilder adjusted well. In Rounds 3 to 5, he focused on volume and ring control, using double jabs and lead hooks to trap Herndon in corners. Herndon remained game, slipping punches and landing an occasional counter, but Wilder’s pressure kept building.

The Turn

By Round 6, Herndon began to show signs of wear. Wilder pinned him in the corner and landed heavy shots, including a clean right hand that forced Herndon to touch the canvas with his glove—ruled a knockdown. The tide had turned.

Herndon was visibly fatigued in Round 7. Wilder, sensing it, went back to work with a stiff jab and a pair of chopping rights. Herndon took a knee mid-round after a hard flurry, but the referee ruled it a slip. Moments later, Wilder landed a final clean right and a short hook that prompted the referee to stop the fight at 2:17 of the seventh round.

“This Is Just the Start”

Post-fight, Wilder celebrated calmly, waving to the Wichita crowd. The win improves his record and halts a difficult skid in which he had lost four of his last five fights. With Malik Scott no longer in his corner, questions had swirled about Wilder’s direction—he answered them in the ring.

“This is just the start,” Wilder said afterward. “I needed to get my feet under me again. There’s more to come.”

Herndon, disappointed, protested the stoppage but ultimately embraced Wilder in a show of sportsmanship.

What’s Next?

Wilder has made it clear he intends to stay active through 2025 and possibly into 2026, with talk of three to four more bouts before a potential clash with a top name. While fans still call for a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua, Wilder indicated he’s focused on staying busy and rebuilding momentum.