Boxing Fans Debate Ahead of Wilder vs. Herndon: Does Deontay Still Have What It Takes to Regain Glory in Wichita 2025?

Deontay Wilder is no stranger to the spotlight. The former WBC heavyweight champion, known as “The Bronze Bomber,” once ruled the division with fearsome knockout power and unmatched confidence. But ahead of his upcoming bout against Tyrone Herndon in Wichita 2025, the boxing world is deeply divided: does Deontay Wilder still have what it takes to return to the top?

Scheduled for July 2025, Wilder vs. Herndon is being billed as Wilder’s redemption fight. After suffering multiple setbacks and questioning his future in the sport, Wilder is stepping back into the ring with everything on the line — reputation, legacy, and the hope of another title shot.

Deontay Wilder: From King to Question Mark

There was a time when Deontay Wilder was one of the most feared men in boxing. With 42 knockouts in 43 wins, Wilder’s power was unmatched. His reign as the WBC heavyweight champion lasted five years, and his highlight-reel finishes made him a global superstar.

But everything changed after his two brutal losses to Tyson Fury. Wilder’s aura of invincibility was shattered. He returned with a knockout win over Robert Helenius in 2022, but that momentum was quickly lost following another defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. and an underwhelming showing against Zhilei Zhang.

Now, at 39 years old, Wilder finds himself facing not just Herndon, but the ghosts of his own past.

“This fight isn’t about Herndon,” Wilder said in a recent interview. “It’s about me. It’s about proving to myself and the world that I still have what it takes.”

Tyrone Herndon: The Underdog with Nothing to Lose

Tyrone Herndon, 30, may not be a household name, but he enters this bout with confidence and momentum. With a record of 18-1 (13 KOs), Herndon has quietly built a solid résumé on the regional circuit. This will be his first high-profile fight, and he knows exactly what’s at stake.

“I respect Wilder, but he’s not the same guy he was five years ago,” Herndon told reporters. “This is my time. I’ve been grinding for this moment, and I’m going to shock the world in Wichita.”

Herndon’s camp believes that Wilder’s reflexes have slowed, and that his punch resistance isn’t what it used to be. If he can weather the early storm, Herndon’s youth and conditioning could play a decisive role in the later rounds.

Wichita 2025: More Than Just a Comeback

The venue choice—Wichita, Kansas—may seem unusual for a fight of this magnitude, but there’s a reason behind it. Wilder’s team selected Wichita as a symbolic site for a rebirth — a quieter stage than Las Vegas or New York, allowing Wilder to reset away from the media circus.

Boxing in Wichita is also part of a broader push to bring big-time fights to new markets. With a sold-out crowd expected at INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita 2025 could be a defining moment not just for Wilder, but for regional boxing in the United States.

Fans Divided: Can Wilder Still Be Great?

On social media and in boxing forums, fans are sharply divided.

Many still believe in Wilder’s power, pointing to his knockout percentage (over 91%) as proof that he can end any fight with a single punch. His jab, right hand, and ability to finish opponents remain his calling cards.

Others argue that Wilder is no longer elite. His stamina, footwork, and defense have been consistently criticized, and his reliance on power has been exposed by more technical fighters.

“Wilder is a one-trick pony,” one fan posted on Reddit. “If Herndon doesn’t get clipped early, he’ll outbox him.”

“Don’t forget who Deontay Wilder is,” another countered. “He’s got the kind of power you can’t teach. All he needs is one second.”

Training Camp: Wilder Returns to the Basics

Ahead of Wilder vs. Herndon, Deontay has returned to his roots. He’s brought back longtime trainer Mark Breland — a surprising move after their public split in 2020 — and focused on sharpening his fundamentals.

Reports from his training camp in Alabama suggest that Wilder is working more on defense, timing, and body punching — areas that have long been weaknesses in his arsenal.

“We’re not just training to knock Herndon out,” Breland said. “We’re training for a complete fight. Wilder’s got more left in the tank than people realize.”

The reunion between Breland and Wilder has created buzz in boxing circles. If they’ve truly mended fences and found a new rhythm, this could be the start of a different — and more dangerous — version of Wilder.

What’s at Stake for Deontay Wilder?

Wilder vs. Herndon is about far more than a win or loss. For Wilder, it’s about reclaiming relevance in a division that’s moved on without him.

The heavyweight landscape is currently dominated by names like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Zhilei Zhang. Younger contenders such as Jared Anderson and Daniel Dubois are also climbing the ranks.

A victory in Wichita could put Wilder back in the conversation for a top-10 ranking and a possible title eliminator by the end of the year. A loss, however, would all but end his career at the elite level.

Herndon’s Opportunity to Break Through

For Tyrone Herndon, this fight is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leapfrog into contention. A win over Deontay Wilder would instantly catapult him into the top tier of the heavyweight division.

Promoters are already eyeing the winner of this bout for a potential fight against a name like Filip Hrgović or Joseph Parker. If Herndon can pull off the upset, he could become boxing’s next breakout star.

“I’m not here to be a stepping stone,” Herndon said. “I’m here to announce myself.”

Prediction: What Happens on Fight Night?

On paper, this looks like a classic boxer vs. puncher matchup. Wilder still possesses the most destructive right hand in boxing. If he can connect early, Herndon could be in trouble.

However, Herndon is younger, fresher, and hungrier. If he can avoid the early knockout and push the fight into the middle rounds, Wilder’s stamina will be tested.

Keys to Victory:

• For Wilder: Use the jab, set up the right hand, and finish early.

• For Herndon: Stay disciplined, avoid brawling, and drag Wilder into deep waters.

This fight may ultimately come down to whether Wilder’s power can still cover up his technical gaps, or whether Herndon can exploit his decline.

Conclusion: The Bronze Bomber’s Final Act?

The boxing world will be watching closely when Deontay Wilder enters the ring in Wichita 2025. Is this the beginning of an epic comeback or the closing chapter of a remarkable, yet tumultuous career?