If the UD loss to Joseph Parker raised serious doubts, the brutal KO at the hands of Zhilei Zhang left many wondering if Deontay Wilder‘s time at the top had come to an end. Once the most feared puncher in the heavyweight division, the Olympian’s downward trajectory has only steepened since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury. The Parker and Zhang fights didn’t just dent his record; they shook the very foundation of his legacy.

Talk of retirement became louder with each setback. But Wilder, ever the fighter, isn’t done just yet. On June 27, he’ll return to the ring against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. It’s an opponent few would consider top-tier, leading many to believe this is a classic comeback tune-up, a warm-up before Wilder aims at bigger, more meaningful bouts. But what exactly is motivating his return? Wilder’s answer may surprise even his biggest skeptics.

Deontay Wilder breaks silence on setbacks and recovery

In a recent conversation with DAZN’s Ade Oladipo and Ariel Helwani, Wilder, speaking from a moving vehicle, opened up about the long road back. He explained that while the comeback was always part of the plan, it was delayed due to lingering injuries, especially to his shoulder, and a slew of personal issues. Wilder said he didn’t want to commit to a date until he was completely healed – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. Oladipo acknowledged how refreshing it was to see Wilder in a better place, but he also posed a crucial question. With the heavyweight landscape looking drastically different from Wilder’s title-chasing years, what exactly is he after?

“Ariel asked you, why are you back? And you mentioned, you know, you want to unify, so you want to become a world champion again. The landscape has changed in boxing, right? The guys that you were chasing or wanting to fight are kind of on the back nine, if you like to use a golf reference,” Oladipo pointed out.

He gave a few examples. Following the devastating loss to Daniel Dubois last year, Anthony Joshua‘s future hangs in the balance. Tyson Fury has already announced his retirement. So, “is the aim Dubois, then is the aim Alexander Usyk, or who is the aim? Is there a fighter, or is it a belt regardless of a fighter?” asked Oladipo.

Time waits for no one: Wilder embraces the present

Wilder’s answer struck a chord. It was measured, philosophical, and grounded in realism. He wasn’t chasing ghosts or settling old scores. He simply wanted meaningful, legacy-defining fights. “I just want the best fights that’s possible you know,” he said. He acknowledged that the boxing landscape has changed. Fighters age, retire, or lose relevance. Did he indirectly comment on the uncertainty surrounding guys like Fury or AJ?

But then, turning philosophical, he emphasized how everything and anything under the sun is temporary. “I mean, we all have an expiration date, you know? All things have an expiration date and a time where that may present itself, and you know, so the same rules apply in boxing, you know,” he stressed.

So at this juncture, he doesn’t necessarily believe in any particular callout. He’s not here for one name. Wilder’s focus is on whoever holds the top position right now. It could be Usyk, Dubois, or someone else entirely. It’s about prestige and challenge, not revenge or chasing history.

For now, all eyes are on June 27. While most expect Wilder to breeze past Herndon, the real challenge will begin afterward. He has to rebuild his status in a division that’s moved on without him. Can he climb back to the summit? Can he secure a fight with today’s top names? Or will the next generation close the door before he gets another shot?

Wilder insists he’s still got it. The coming months will show whether that’s confidence or delusion. Either way, boxing fans will be watching closely.

What do you think? Can Deontay Wilder defy the odds and reclaim his former glory? Or has the clock already run out on ‘The Bronze Bomber’?