Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon Predictions: You only get one chance to make a last impression

Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder returns this Friday, June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon. The bout takes place at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas with BLK Prime PPV showing the card live.

Here are my Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon predictions ahead of this heavyweight encounter.

Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon Odds

Former WBC ruler Wilder is 1/10 to win this comeback. Herndon is 10/1 the other way. A draw is 20/1. Well, Tyson Fury drew with Wilder right?

Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon Fight Preview

Wilder is a lot of things to a lot of people. Dominant WBC champion, holding the belt for over five years. History-books dwelling titlist whose 10 defences put him fifth on the all-time list of consecutive retentions, above Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. One half of the best heavyweight trilogy since Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe shelled each other, with Wilder’s three fights with Tyson Fury burned into boxing consciousness.

But some also see Wilder as a busted flush. A 39-year-old who has spent a year outside of the ropes. A washed-up former great who has lost four of his last five outings. A boxer who has not beaten a genuine world contender for six years.

Despite the conflicting views surrounding the Alabama hero, I actually believe everyone is right to a degree. Wilder dominated that hinterland between the retirement of Wladimir Klitschko and the reign of terror from Britain’s Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. His place in the modern fabric of the sport is secure. But, equally, it is a long time since he has looked like the fighter who smashed Bermane Stiverne, went to war with Luis Ortiz or had Fury holding on for dear life in their unforgettable encounters. 

I do not even think this fight with Herndon, a 24-5 warm body who has been knocked out four times before the end of the third round, is about proving Wilder is still the fierce ‘Bronze Bomber’ of old. At 39 and having waged some brutal wars, even Deontay knows that guy has gone.

But beating Herndon in something approaching dominant fashion will open the door to one last hurrah. A big payday in a division that is full of them these days. Wilder’s fights have made over $200 million in pay-per-view revenue over the course of his career. Destroy Herndon and one more box office smash could be in the offing. 

The risk-reward of such a scenario is fascinating. The more money Wilder on the contract, the more likely he is to face resistance that he cannot overcome. People used to fancy the size match-up for Wilder against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. But we have seen the Ukrainian pick apart Fury and Anthony Joshua with relative comfort. Meanwhile, Wilder got dismantled over 12 rounds by the approximately-Usyk-size Joseph Parker.

Wilder has no business facing the WBA, WBO and IBF king. You could argue that he should not be allowed near the current IBF king either. Daniel Dubois aims to become undisputed champion against Usyk next month. Should the Brit pull off the upset, you’d back him to do Wilder some damage with those ‘Dynamite’ fists. 

Moses Itauma, the teenage knockout artist, is a no-win for Deontay. Beat him and people will say he stopped a rookie. Lose and your career is over. Agit Kabayel is too good a technical boxer for this weakened Wilder. Andy Ruiz Jr. was supposed to fight him in a saga that stretched on for years. If it didn’t happen then, it won’t happen now. 

Fury will probably claim to fancy a fourth instalment, but only as a pressure tactic on the Anthony Joshua negotiations. Why tarnish that series, particularly the indelible first and third outings, with an inferior fourth?

It is not all bad news though. The division is deeper than it has been at any other time during Wilder’s career. There are plenty of options open to the ex-champion. 

Derek Chisora would hold some appeal as another heavyweight thrill-seeker who always gives value. Lawrence Okolie, the ex-cruiserweight champion who has his second heavyweight outing next month, could potentially be out-muscled. Efe Ajagba would sell tickets in America and could catapult the winner closer to a title. 

The same can be said of a Dave Allen fight in the UK. The British public would turn out in their droves to see ‘The Doncaster De La Hoya’ take on a massive world name. Wilder has dismissed the latter bout, but money talks and Matchroom could put plenty on the table for that one.

Speaking of Matchroom, their crown jewel is probably Wilder’s best option. Should Fury’s pantomime retirement (“Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is!”) be more legitimate than it appears then that frees up Joshua. The two-time champ could pivot to a fight with Wilder. 

Despite both being past their peak, you would still need a stadium to hold such a long-anticipated fight. Pay-per-view buys would be healthy too, given the exciting styles match-up and big-name glamour. 

I am acutely aware I have spent the majority of this piece previewing Wilder’s next fight after Herndon. But when you dig into the Texan’s record, you can see why.

The most recognisable name Herndon has faced is Ajagba, albeit in the Nigerian’s pro debut. The first hint of Efe’s promise was etched onto Herndon’s face with a first-round knockout. Brandon Glanton, now a cruiserweight contender who recently lost to Chris Billam-Smith, beat Herndon by disqualification in three rounds.

Top Rank’s smiling heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr. pinged Herndon in the second stanza of their encounter. That’s it for the big and biggish names. Corey Barlow, 2-4-2 at the time, finished him in the first. Shamarian Snider, who sounds like a one-shot Star Trek villain that wouldn’t make Will Riker break a sweat, laid Herndon out in three sessions.

It is clear why Herndon was picked for this assignment. Wilder is known for knockouts and Herndon regularly folds like a reheated calzone. This fight is about ‘The Bronze Bomber’ adding one more brutal finish to his highlight reel. An audition tape for one last crack at a big name in the division.

Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon Full Card

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Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon Prediction

I won’t keep you. I know you’re a busy person. Wilder. First-round knockout. 9/4.

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