Deontay Wilder Secures Stunning Seventh-Round TKO in Triumphant Comeback

Key Takeaways

Deontay Wilder secured a seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon, marking his first win in nearly three years after recent setbacks.
Wilder showcased a more versatile fighting style under new trainer Don House, effectively using his jab and left hook alongside his trademark power.
The victory reignited speculation about a potential 2026 showdown with Anthony Joshua, with Wilder planning another fight abroad later this year.
Herndon struggled against Wilder's relentless pressure, suffering knockdowns in the second and sixth rounds before the fight was stopped in the seventh.
Wilder's performance highlighted his enduring power and adaptability, positioning him for a potential resurgence in the heavyweight division.

Deontay Wilder made a triumphant return to the boxing ring on Friday night, delivering a commanding performance against Tyrrell Herndon. The former heavyweight champion secured a seventh-round technical knockout (TKO) in the main event of a BLK Prime pay-per-view at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This victory marked Wilder's first win in nearly three years, ending a string of recent setbacks.

Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs), known as "The Bronze Bomber," showcased his trademark power and precision throughout the fight. After suffering back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and dropping four of his last five bouts, the 39-year-old knockout artist proved he still has plenty left in the tank. Fighting under the banner of Nelson Lopez's Global Combat Collective promotions and guided by new trainer Don House, Wilder demonstrated a more versatile approach, utilizing his jab and left hook effectively.

Herndon (24-6, 15 KOs), a relatively unknown opponent, struggled to handle Wilder's relentless pressure. Despite avoiding Wilder's devastating right hand in the early rounds, Herndon was floored by a counter check hook in the final seconds of the second round. Although he managed to land a few significant shots in the fourth round, Herndon's resistance waned as the fight progressed.

By the sixth round, Wilder's dominance was evident. He overwhelmed Herndon with a barrage of punches, including his trademark right hand, which forced Herndon's glove to touch the canvas, prompting a standing count from referee Ray Corona. In the seventh and final round, Wilder unleashed a flurry of powerful strikes, leaving Herndon defenseless. Two clean right hands, the second of which snapped Herndon's head back, led Corona to stop the fight in the final minute.

With this victory, Wilder has reignited hopes of a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua in 2026, provided he continues to build momentum. Wilder has already announced plans for another fight later this year outside the United States, signaling his determination to reclaim his place among boxing's elite.

In the co-main event, Deon Nicholson secured a fourth-round TKO victory over Devonte Williams in the light heavyweight division. Other notable results included Nico Hernandez's second-round knockout of Robert Ledesma and Gustavo Trujillo's sixth-round TKO against Lateef Kayode in the heavyweight category.

Wilder's emphatic return serves as a reminder of his enduring power and skill, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for the former heavyweight champion.