Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon: Preview & Betting Tips

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Deontay Wilder returns to the ring on Friday night in Wichita, Kansas, against huge underdog journeyman Tyrrell Herndon.

Deontay Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KO’s) returns to the ring for the first time in over a year, looking to jumpstart what may be the final chapter of his explosive career. The 39-year-old former WBC heavyweight champion hasn’t fought since a fifth-round TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh in June 2024, a defeat that dropped him to 1-4 in his last five fights and cast real doubt about his future in the sport.

Now, Wilder is being matched smartly, with a confidence-builder against Tyrrell Herndon, 37, a fringe journeyman with a padded record and a history of early stoppages.

Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KO’s) is a seasoned pro with over 100 rounds under his belt since turning pro in 2015. At 6ft3, he gives up three inches in height and a significant gap in punching power and pedigree to Wilder. Despite winning minor regional titles, Herndon has never fought a top-10 opponent. In fact, only eight of his opponents have had winning records, and he’s lost three of those bouts.

Tale of the Tape

Deontay Wilder – Odds 1.05 (Sky Bet)

Record: 43-4-1, 42 KO’s

Age: 39

Height: 6ft6 

Reach: 83”

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Tyrrell Herndon – Odds 10.00 (Sky Bet)

Record: 24-5, 15 KO’s

Age: 37

Height: 6ft3

Reach: N/A

Weight: Heavyweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Deontay Wilder vs Tyrrell Herndon: Analysis

This is a get-right fight for Wilder. While his confidence and form have clearly taken a hit following the trilogy with Tyson Fury, and the defeats to both Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, Herndon doesn’t present any real danger.

However, this is heavyweight boxing and that means anybody could end the night early with one punch. But for the former world heavyweight champ, this matchup should provide him a chance to work on timing, footwork, and get another spectacular knockout on his record.

Fans should not expect an immediate blitz from Wilder though. “The Bronze Bomber” has been tentative early in recent fights, especially after being hurt repeatedly. He may start slow to find range and re-establish comfort in the ring before unleashing the right hand which will spell an early night. That being said, he is several levels above Herndon.

Wilder vs Herndon: Prediction & Betting Tips

If Wilder impresses with a highlight-reel KO, calls for a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua will only grow louder. Promoter Eddie Hearn has recently floated the idea again, and Wilder needs to look sharp here to make that a possibility. Both former world champs are past their best, but a showdown in a stadium in either the US or UK would still sell out. 

A first-round knockout isn’t out of the question in this one given Herndon’s chin, but the smarter bet is that Wilder gets him out of there in round two or three, once he settles into a rhythm. 

Wilder has been a real let down in his two most recent fights. He has become very reluctant to engage and has seemingly lost that nasty and violent streak he once had, back when he was the most feared puncher in modern day heavyweight history. Nevertheless, he gets it done inside four rounds here and I’m willing to bet Deontay Wilder to win in rounds 1-2 at odds of 2.20 (Sky Bet). 

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