Deontay Wilder’s seventh-round technical knockout (TKO) victory against Tyrrell Herndon in June 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the former heavyweight champion’s career. Returning to the ring after a year-long hiatus, Wilder demonstrated both the hunger and the power to remind boxing fans why he was once considered one of the most feared punchers in history. This victory was not just a win—it was a statement. At 38 years old, Wilder’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his performance against Herndon reignited discussions about his place in the heavyweight division and his potential future matchups.
Setting the Scene: Wilder’s Recent Form and Career Context
Before facing Herndon, Wilder’s professional record stood at an impressive 43 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with an outstanding 42 knockouts—a knockout-to-win percentage unmatched in heavyweight boxing history. Despite this, the last several years have been difficult for Wilder. Since his three-fight trilogy with Tyson Fury in 2020, where he lost his WBC heavyweight title, Wilder has experienced a turbulent period marked by inconsistent results. He lost four of his last five fights, with notable knockout defeats, including a recent loss to Zhilei Zhang in October 2023.
The fight against Herndon was more than just another bout; it was a critical step in rebuilding Wilder’s legacy and possibly setting the stage for a blockbuster showdown with top contenders like Anthony Joshua. It was also his first stoppage victory since knocking out Robert Helenius in 2022—a positive signal after a stretch of setbacks and questions about his future prospects.
Wilder’s career has been defined by his explosive power and charismatic personality. Known as the “Bronze Bomber,” he rose to prominence with a series of devastating knockouts, including his iconic first-round KO of Bermane Stiverne in 2015 to claim the WBC heavyweight title. However, his recent struggles have led many to question whether he could regain his former dominance. The fight against Herndon was an opportunity to silence those doubts and prove that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The Fight Breakdown: Wilder’s Dominant Return
Wilder approached the fight with clear strategic composure and raw power. The early rounds showcased his experience and caution. He took a patient stance initially, measuring Herndon and waiting for the right moment to strike, which was somewhat different from his earlier career persona, characterized by immediate and often overwhelming aggression.
The second round saw Wilder score a flash knockdown with a sharp left hook, signaling the beginning of his offensive dominance. Wilder’s punching power was on full display, dropping Herndon twice before the referee’s stoppage in the seventh round at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The crowd erupted as Wilder celebrated, raising his arms in triumph—a moment that underscored his enduring appeal and the excitement he brings to the sport.
Despite not reaching the frenetic knockout pace of his early career, Wilder’s methodical dismantling of Herndon was enough to earn a clear victory. The win showed that while he may not yet be back to his absolute peak form, he still commands respect in the heavyweight division and remains a formidable power puncher. His ability to adapt his strategy and still deliver knockout blows is a testament to his skill and experience.
Assessing Tyrrell Herndon’s Role
At 37 years old with a 24-5 record, Tyrrell Herndon was a significant underdog going into the fight. Known more as a journeyman contender, Herndon had not faced an opponent with Wilder’s world-class pedigree before. His recent form included a three-fight win streak, though those wins were against less heralded opponents. Herndon had also recently suffered a second-round TKO loss to rising prospect Richard Torrez Jr., indicating some vulnerability.
Herndon’s durability and effort were notable, but he was ultimately outmatched by Wilder’s power and experience. The fight underscored the gap between a former world champion still fighting at a high level and a regional contender seeking to break through. Herndon’s performance, while valiant, highlighted the challenges faced by fighters trying to transition from regional contests to world-title fights.
The fight also raised questions about the quality of opposition in Wilder’s recent matches. While Herndon was a credible opponent, he was not a top-tier contender, which led some critics to argue that Wilder needed to face tougher competition to truly prove his resurgence. However, for a fighter returning from a year-long hiatus, the matchup made sense as a stepping stone to more significant challenges.
The Fight Card and Supporting Contests
Wilder vs. Herndon was the headliner in a fight card held at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas—significant as the venue’s first boxing event since 2022. The pay-per-view event was accessible on BLK Prime, costing $24.95, and featured a mix of emerging talent and veteran fighters seeking to make their mark.
While the main story centered on Wilder’s comeback, the undercard added context to the heavyweight landscape, showcasing the deep pool of contenders like Herndon eager to capitalize on any opening. One of the standout performances on the undercard was by rising heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin, who secured a unanimous decision victory over an experienced opponent. Franklin’s win further highlighted the competitive nature of the heavyweight division and the potential for new stars to emerge.
The event also featured a women’s super welterweight bout between Claressa Shields and Maricela Cornejo, which ended in a controversial split decision victory for Shields. The fight added to the growing excitement around women’s boxing and demonstrated the depth of talent in the division.
Wilder’s Future: A Reignited Career or Declining Force?
The win breathed new life into Wilder’s career, raising speculation about potential big-money fights ahead, possibly even the elusive matchup with Anthony Joshua. His knockout power remains his greatest asset, and the victory affirmed that he still possesses the ability to end fights decisively.
However, uncertainties remain. Wilder no longer looks as explosive or invulnerable as in his prime. His losses have raised questions about durability and adaptability, and the narrow margin of his victories moving forward will likely matter. Critics argue if he is a “spent force” or an elite contender capable of major comebacks.
Nevertheless, Wilder’s win against Herndon emphasizes his resilience and determination to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving heavyweight division. His next steps will be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim his place among the elite. A potential rematch with Fury or a showdown with Joshua would be blockbuster events that could define the latter stages of his career.
Conclusion: The Bronze Bomber’s Revival and Heavyweight Boxing’s Shifting Landscape
Deontay Wilder’s victory over Tyrrell Herndon is more than just a notch in the win column—it symbolizes hope, redemption, and the enduring power of one of boxing’s most feared punchers. While the fight didn’t showcase Wilder’s explosive peak potential, it was a measured and assertive display that could herald a return to contention.
This fight serves as a reminder that in boxing, careers evolve, and comebacks are possible with the right mix of skill, power, and mental toughness. As Wilder rebuilds momentum, the heavyweight division continues to present a thrilling and unpredictable landscape where legacy battles and emerging stars constantly reshape the narrative.
For fans and pundits alike, Wilder’s journey remains a compelling storyline—one that sparks debate, excitement, and anticipation for what the next chapters in heavyweight boxing will reveal. Whether he can sustain this resurgence or fade into the background remains to be seen, but for now, the Bronze Bomber is back, and the heavyweight division is all the better for it.
