Is Tyrrell Herndon Too Easy A Test For Deontay Wilder?

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After a long period of silence, setbacks, and speculation, Deontay Wilder is preparing to step into the ring once again. But fans and analysts alike are asking the same question: Is Tyrrell Herndon too easy of a test for a former WBC heavyweight champion? Is this really the right fight to signal a serious return, or is it simply a stay-busy mismatch designed to rebuild confidence?

Let’s dive into the facts, stats, and career trajectories of both men to understand whether Herndon vs. Wilder is a legitimate contest—or just a one-sided show.

Deontay Wilder: A Fighter in Search of Redemption

Deontay Wilder, known as “The Bronze Bomber,” was once the most feared knockout artist in the world. With a staggering 42 knockouts in 43 wins, the Alabama native’s right hand is legendary.

But since suffering two crushing defeats to Tyson Fury, and then losing a third straight bout against Joseph Parker, Wilder’s career has appeared to hit a wall. Once an undefeated world champion, he now finds himself at a crossroads, desperately needing a win to stay relevant in the crowded heavyweight division.

At 38, time isn’t on Wilder’s side.

So the question is: Does fighting Tyrrell Herndon help or hurt Wilder’s comeback narrative?

Who Is Tyrrell Herndon? A Look at the Opponent

While Tyrrell Herndon is a respected professional, he is far from a household name. With a record of 21 wins (13 KOs), 3 losses, and 1 draw, Herndon has operated mainly on regional cards and undercards for bigger promotions.

He’s solid, durable, and has good ring IQ—but he’s never fought a top-10 heavyweight. He’s also never faced someone with the power, reach, or athleticism of Wilder.

In other words, Herndon has never danced under the big lights.

So why did Wilder’s camp choose him?

A Tune-Up or a Tactical Decision?

The fight appears to be a classic tune-up: a low-risk bout for Wilder to regain rhythm, test his conditioning, and reestablish his fear factor. After all, the last time Wilder was in the ring, he looked hesitant and uncharacteristically passive against Parker.

A fight with Herndon offers:

A likely win
A chance for a knockout highlight
Momentum for a bigger bout in late 2025

But for many, this strategy feels like a step too far down in opposition quality. The gap in experience, skill level, and exposure is massive.

Wilder’s Recent Struggles: More Than Just Losses

Wilder’s slide hasn’t just been about results. It’s about the eye test.

Against Tyson Fury, he was outboxed and outfought, even though he managed a few knockdowns in the trilogy. In the Parker fight, he looked confused and flat-footed. Critics began questioning:

Is Wilder still motivated?
Has his reflexes slowed?
Is his one-punch power enough at elite level anymore?

Now entering a bout with a lesser-known fighter, Wilder’s reputation is at risk. If he doesn’t perform spectacularly, fans may write him off completely.

What Happens If Wilder Wins?

Let’s assume Wilder knocks out Herndon in under six rounds, which is a real possibility given Wilder’s historic power and Herndon’s susceptibility to big punches.

In that case:

Wilder gets his confidence back
He returns to highlight reels and headlines
He positions himself for a late 2025 showdown—perhaps with Andy Ruiz, Zhilei Zhang, or even a redemption fight with Anthony Joshua (if the timing works)

This fight may be low-risk, but it can have high-reward if Wilder capitalizes on it properly.

What Happens If Wilder Struggles or Loses?

This is where things get dangerous.

If Tyrrell Herndon drags Wilder to a decision, exposes cardio issues, or—worst-case—wins by upset, Wilder’s career is likely over. Losing to an unranked, relatively unknown fighter would derail any remaining promotional hype.

Even a sluggish win would raise alarm bells:

Is Wilder too slow?
Has his timing permanently eroded?
Can he survive against top-5 heavyweights?

In short: Wilder must dominate. Anything less is a warning sign.

Is Tyrrell Herndon Really That Easy?

Let’s not totally discount Herndon. He may be an underdog, but he has a few traits that could give Wilder minor problems:

He’s an awkward southpaw
He’s shown durability in long fights
He doesn’t fold under pressure

Plus, fighters with nothing to lose can be dangerous. Herndon knows this is the biggest stage of his life—and a career-defining upset could change everything for him.

Public Perception and the Heavyweight Landscape

In the modern heavyweight scene, names like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Filip Hrgovic dominate headlines. Wilder is still a former world champion, but he’s clearly slipped out of the top-5 conversation.

To return to it, Wilder needs momentum, not just media buzz. Beating Herndon may create a highlight—but it won’t silence the critics.

Fans are already skeptical:

“Why not fight someone like Joe Joyce, Frank Sanchez, or even Efe Ajagba?”

Instead, Wilder is taking a “safe” route that could backfire if fans see it as ducking real competition.

Trainer’s Take: Malik Scott’s Strategy

Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, has defended the matchup, saying:

“We need the right kind of opponent to reset. Deontay’s power is still there. We’re rebuilding the monster.”

While that strategy has merit, it walks a fine line between rebuilding and reputation management. Scott and Wilder must ensure that fans and promoters don’t view this fight as a sign of decline or fear.

Promotional Stakes: What’s Next If Wilder Wins?

Rumors are swirling that a win could lead to:

Wilder vs. Ruiz in late 2025
A showdown in Saudi Arabia under the Riyadh Season banner
Possibly fighting Daniel Dubois or Zhang in a high-profile eliminator

But all those plans hinge on one thing: Wilder looking like the old Bronze Bomber—not a faded version.

Tyrrell Herndon: Hungry and Overlooked

Herndon knows he’s being viewed as a stepping stone. But that underdog status could fuel him.

In a recent interview, he said:

“They think I’m here to lose. Good. Let them think that. I’ve been training like my life depends on it. And when Wilder feels my power, we’ll see who’s real.”

It’s a reminder that fights aren’t won on paper.

Final Verdict: Too Easy or a Necessary Step?

So, is Tyrrell Herndon too easy of a test for Deontay Wilder?
On paper—yes.
But in context—maybe not.

After multiple losses, shaken confidence, and nearly a year out of the ring, Wilder needs a fight to reset. Herndon offers a controlled environment with a credible opponent, but one Wilder is expected to beat.

Still, the stakes are high: