RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 23: Deontay Wilder punches Joseph Parker during the WBC … More International & WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight between Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker during the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night at Kingdom Arena on December 23, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is back in the ring for the first time in 2025. Wilder is taking on Tyrrell Herndon in the main event on Friday night in Wichita, Kansas, at Koch Arena.
I have all of the results from the event. The most recent result will be just below.
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyrrell Herndon Results
Gustavo Trujillo vs. Lateef Kayode
Fifth Round
P.A. in the Koch Arena just played Kendrick Lamar鈥檚 Turn the TV Off, and many viewers probably want to follow directions. I鈥檓 not exaggerating when I say this, Trujillo-Kayode might be the worst heavyweight fight I鈥檝e seen in years. Trujillo is winning easily, but this is tough to watch.
Fourth Round
Something appears to be off with Kayode鈥檚 balance and motor skills. He鈥檚 stumbling around in a way that is very odd in professional boxing. This is really strange. By the way, Trujillo is winning every round by a wide margin.
Third Round
Trujillo is hitting Kayode with a barrage in the corner, but he pulled back seemingly reluctant to go for the finish. This fight is terrible in a special kind of way.
Second Round
These two heavyweights are not impressing the crowd. Boos are raining down in the second round.
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Deontay Wilder鈥檚 Return
Wilder is headlining a card built around his comeback moment. While we wait to see if the Bronze Bomber is still capable of sinking opponents with his huge right hand, fans (and I鈥檓 not sure how many of them there are) are tuning in to PPV.com and other outlets for what could be a pivotal night in Wilder鈥檚 career.
Before the bell rings, let鈥檚 set the table.
Wilder hasn鈥檛 fought since his loss to Zhilei Zhang via KO in June 2024. The soon-to-be 40-year-old enters this matchup needing more than just a win. Wilder needs to prove he is still a cut above the likes of Herndon and a serious opponent for the biggest names in the heavyweight division.
Few expect Wilder to have lost his punching power, but the bigger question is about his mindset. That aspect of his game hasn鈥檛 appeared to be in the best place over the past few years.
Herndon, a journeyman of sorts, steps into the role of underdog with a chance to shock the world. Almost no one expects him to accomplish that goal. Quite honestly, we鈥檙e not sure if he thinks he can win.
While he lacks a marquee r茅sum茅, he has solid power and plenty of ring experience. If nothing else, he provides a barometer for what Wilder has left.
This event isn鈥檛 a massive card in terms of depth, but it does feature a few intriguing matchups underneath the main event. Deon Nicholson takes on Devonte Williams in a light heavyweight clash, and undefeated heavyweight prospect Gustavo Trujillo faces former title challenger Lateef Kayode.
But make no mistake鈥攖his night belongs to Wilder. Whether Wilder wins by vintage KO or the unexpected happens, tonight could shape the next chapter of his legacy.
I鈥檒l update this article live throughout the evening with results, reactions, and analysis as soon as the main event gets underway. Check back regularly or refresh the page to stay on top of every moment, from ring walks to the final punch.
Stay tuned鈥攆ight night is here.
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