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Deontay Wilder Announces Heavyweight Boxing Return Following Zhang Defeat
- Deontay Wilder, known for his powerful punching, had a trilogy of fights with Tyson Fury.
- Wilder has been absent from the boxing ring since his knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang.
- At 39, Wilder has declared his comeback to professional boxing this summer.
Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has officially announced his return to professional boxing this summer, marking his first fight since a significant defeat last year. The “Bronze Bomber,” renowned for his explosive knockout power, is set to re-enter the heavyweight division, aiming to prove he remains a force in the sport.
Wilder Set to Face Tyrrell Herndon in Comeback Fight
Wilder, whose last appearance in the ring concluded with a knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang in June, is scheduled to face Tyrrell Herndon on June 27 in Kansas. This match marks Wilder’s first bout after suffering four losses in his previous five fights, including two defeats by Tyson Fury and a decision loss to Joseph Parker.
Herndon enters the contest with a record of 24 wins and 5 losses. He is currently on a three-fight winning streak after a loss to Richard Torres Jr., promising to be a competitive opponent for Wilder’s return.
Hoping for a Resurgence in the Heavyweight Division
Deontay Wilder, boasting an impressive record of 42 wins by knockout, will be seeking a swift and decisive victory to demonstrate his enduring capability in the competitive heavyweight landscape. This fight is crucial for Wilder to re-establish himself as a major contender in the division.
A Look Back at Wilder’s Championship Reign and Fury Rivalry
Wilder’s reign as WBC heavyweight champion spanned from January 2015 to February 2020. During this period, fans eagerly anticipated a showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua, but the highly anticipated match never materialized. Instead, Wilder clashed with Tyson Fury in December 2018, beginning their epic rivalry.
The Epic Trilogy with Tyson Fury
The first encounter with Fury ended in a controversial draw, setting the stage for a rematch. In February 2020, Fury secured a decisive victory via a seventh-roundTechnical knockout, claiming the WBC title. The two heavyweight giants completed their trilogy in October 2021 in a fight considered a modern classic.
Despite Fury ultimately winning by an eleventh-round stoppage, Wilder showcased his resilience, surviving two knockdowns himself. Following this, Wilder returned to the ring with a first-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius. However, subsequent defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang have placed him lower in the heavyweight rankings.
Wilder’s Determination to Continue Boxing Career
Despite recent setbacks, Deontay Wilder is determined to continue his boxing career. His upcoming fight against Tyrrell Herndon signifies his commitment to compete at the highest level of heavyweight boxing once more.