Roughly a year after his devastating loss to ‘Big Bang’ Zhilei Zhang, on June 27, at Wichita, Kansas’ Charles Koch Arena, Deontay Wilder will make his long-awaited return. The setback followed his third career defeat at the hands of Joseph Parker. Naturally, retirement rumors began swirling. Outside the ring, things were no less turbulent. Wilder went through a deeply personal and public breakup with longtime fiancée, Shuntel ‘Telli’ Swift.
Specific details of the card remain unclear. Wilder is reportedly facing unranked Texan fighter Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. For the 39-year-old, who turns 40 in October, this bout could be a tune-up. Perhaps a final push toward one last title shot before hanging up the gloves. In an emotional interview with Ariel Helwani, Wilder opened up about his return, his state of mind, and how recent events, both in and out of the ring, have shaped him.
Helwani began with a direct question: “Why are you coming back? Why are you coming back on this date against this opponent with these promoters? Tell us the whole story because I do believe this is the first time that we’re having a chance to hear from you.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 15: Deontay Wilder of United States speaks during the Day Of Reckoning Press Conference at OVO Arena Wembley on November 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Wilder said the decision to return wasn’t spontaneous. Multiple opportunities were available. But he needed to focus on healing – physically, mentally, and emotionally. He had been dealing with injuries, including a reinjured shoulder following an accident. The pain was constant, especially when throwing his signature right hand. He claimed to be ‘fully healed,’ free from pain and personal burdens, and ready to chase the goal that’s always driven him: unifying the heavyweight division.
After the Zhang fight, Wilder didn’t immediately consider retirement. But he was lost and disoriented. Eventually, he had a conversation with longtime manager Shelly Finkel, realized what was holding him back, and sought help. For the first time in his life, Wilder said, he lost confidence in himself.
Deontay Wilder reflects on emotional turmoil and losing trust – even in himself
Ariel Helwani asked him why he picked Tyrrell Anthony Herndon for his return fight. Deontay Wilder replied that although his team was exploring comeback options, he wasn’t personally pushing for a return without serious evaluation. Then he described a period of emotional chaos – betrayal, heartbreak, and personal disappointment.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 21: Deontay Wilder weighs in against Tyson Fury during their official weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on February 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
“I never had a point of time in my life where I lost my—I lost my confidence in myself,” he said, before adding, “You know, things got so crazy in my life, you know, that it altered my mindset, and I lost confidence in myself, and I never thought I would, you know, be a man to be able to do that.”
While he avoided naming names, Wilder spoke openly about how people he trusted broke his heart. “I never has hated my heart, but now I do,” he said.
He admitted that the betrayal left a mark, shifting his mindset and softening his edge. He hinted at people who benefited from his success but gave nothing in return. The emotional toll, he explained, led to a loss of fire.
But this return is about rebuilding. Deontay Wilder didn’t want to pretend he’s ‘ready’ when he still has doubts. This time, Wilder wanted to step into the ring only when he knew. Without question, he’s all the way back. “No doubt,” said the former heavyweight champion.
Do you think Deontay Wilder will be successful in putting his career back on track?
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