Tyrrell Herndon Wants to Do What Joseph Parker Once Made Wilder Fear?

Deontay Wilder, once hailed as the most feared puncher in boxing, now finds himself at a precarious crossroads in his storied career. At 39, with three losses in his last four fights, the former WBC heavyweight champion is no longer viewed as the unstoppable force he once was. The aura that made him a nightmare in the ring has faded—and fans are wondering whether his best nights are permanently behind him.

Now, with retirement rumors swirling and his future uncertain, Wilder is attempting to reignite his career with a lower-stakes bout against a less-heralded opponent: Tyrrell Herndon.

Set to face off on June 27, this matchup is being seen by most as a tune-up fight for Wilder. But Herndon has different plans.

Tyrrell Herndon: Underdog with a Plan

Tyrrell Herndon enters this fight as a massive underdog. His record—24 wins, 5 losses, with 15 KOs—is respectable, but his resume is devoid of marquee wins. At 37, Herndon has spent much of his career on the fringes of the heavyweight division. Yet, as he prepares for the most significant opportunity of his life, Herndon is not intimidated.

Instead, he’s determined, focused—and most intriguingly, analytical.

Herndon has been studying footage, not just of Wilder’s crushing defeats at the hands of Tyson Fury or Zhilei Zhang, but most notably, Joseph Parker’s dominant performance over Wilder. That December 2023 bout, where Parker nullified Wilder’s power with superior footwork, patience, and sharp counters, has become Herndon’s blueprint.

“That’s one of the top five fights that I’m dissecting,” Herndon told Tha Boxing Voice. “He put on a beautiful boxing clinic.”

Joseph Parker’s Masterclass: The Template for Victory

To understand why Joseph Parker’s performance has become Herndon’s reference point, we need to break down what made it so special.

Parker, known for his measured approach and underrated ring IQ, entered his fight with Wilder as a slight underdog. Many believed he would be the next knockout victim on Wilder’s highlight reel. Instead, Parker delivered a 12-round boxing masterclass, winning a wide unanimous decision and avoiding nearly every bomb Wilder attempted to throw.

Key elements of Parker’s win that Herndon is aiming to replicate:

• Distance control: Parker kept Wilder at bay using jabs, subtle footwork, and feints.

• Shot selection: He didn’t waste punches—each one served a tactical purpose.

• Timing and discipline: Parker refused to engage recklessly, using Wilder’s aggression against him.

• Conditioning: He maintained high energy for all 12 rounds, staying sharp and focused.

These are the tools that neutralized one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history—and Herndon wants to copy that formula.

Why Herndon Believes in a Parker 2.0 Performance

Realistically, Herndon is not Parker. The Kiwi is a former world champion, while Herndon is a journeyman without elite experience. But Herndon is self-aware. He doesn’t pretend to be Parker—he simply believes he can emulate the style.

“I feel like I can emulate something like that,” Herndon said. “I’m taking the great things that he did and putting them in my bag.”

Herndon also knows that Wilder is vulnerable right now. After being stopped brutally by Zhang, Wilder admitted he was thinking about walking away. His confidence appears shaken. If Herndon can survive the early rounds, frustrate Wilder, and force mistakes—there’s a sliver of hope.

For Herndon, this fight is about more than just survival. It’s about earning respect, making a statement, and maybe—just maybe—pulling off the biggest upset of the year.

The Stakes for Deontay Wilder

This fight may be considered a “stay-busy” bout for Wilder, but the reality is far more serious.

A win over Herndon doesn’t restore Wilder’s reputation. It won’t earn him a title shot or erase the damage from his recent losses. But a loss to Tyrrell Herndon would be catastrophic.

It would almost certainly spell the end of Wilder’s career as a top-level contender.

The Alabama slugger has made a career off his historic knockout power—42 knockouts in 43 wins—but he’s never been known for his technical skills or stamina. Now, his once-legendary right hand looks less terrifying than it did just a few years ago.

If Herndon can withstand Wilder’s initial onslaught, we may be looking at a vulnerable, aging fighter who’s lost his confidence.

Herndon’s Strategy: Patience, Defense, Opportunity

Herndon has outlined the core elements of his game plan:

1. Study Parker, Move Like Parker

Parker’s ability to stay elusive and out of range frustrated Wilder, who couldn’t land clean punches. Herndon wants to move smart, pivot out of corners, and avoid trading in the pocket.

2. Wear Wilder Down

Wilder’s stamina has always been a question mark. Herndon plans to drag the fight into the later rounds, where Wilder has shown mental and physical lapses.

3. Land the Right Counters

Herndon knows he won’t knock Wilder out with one punch, but he aims to land enough clean, accurate shots to sway the judges—or force a corner stoppage if Wilder fades late.

How the Boxing World Views the Matchup

Predictably, most analysts are writing off Herndon’s chances. Bookmakers have Wilder as a massive favorite, and many believe this fight is simply a stepping stone for a Wilder comeback tour.

But the beauty of boxing is in its capacity for upsets. Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson. Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked Anthony Joshua. Stranger things have happened.

What sets Herndon apart is his realism and methodical approach. He’s not making bold predictions or trash-talking. He’s just preparing diligently, watching film, and building a smart game plan.

Could Herndon Shock the World?

The odds say no.

But fights aren’t won on paper. They’re won in the ring—through tactics, heart, and sometimes, timing.

If Wilder shows up rusty, complacent, or underestimates Herndon’s preparation, this could be a trap fight. And if Herndon follows Parker’s blueprint, disrupts Wilder’s rhythm, and survives the early danger, the boxing world might be in for a shocking headline.

It wouldn’t just be an upset. It would be a career-defining moment—and the ultimate reward for a man who’s been overlooked his entire career.

Final Thoughts: Parker’s Influence May Shape the Fight

Whether or not Tyrrell Herndon pulls off the upset, one thing is clear: Joseph Parker’s legacy is already extending beyond his own career. His tactical victory over Wilder has become required viewing for every opponent hoping to beat the Bronze Bomber.

Herndon’s study of Parker’s performance proves that smart boxing still matters, and that even in the heavyweight division, where power often dominates, technique and patience can win fights.

On June 27, Tyrrell Herndon will step into the ring as an underdog, but with a strategy in hand—and Joseph Parker’s masterclass etched into his mind.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes to make history.