RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 23: Deontay Wilder punches Joseph Parker during the WBC … More
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder made his return to the ring for the first time in 2025, achieving a seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon in the main event on Friday night at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
Here are the results from the event along with a breakdown of the top three fights on the card.
Deontay Wilder vs. Tyrrell Herndon Results
- Deontay Wilder def. Tyrrell Herndon – TKO 7
Seventh Round
Wilder secured the stoppage after landing a significant straight right hand. Herndon appeared to be looking for an exit, prompting the referee to intervene.
Wilder’s performance was not stellar; he might need one or two more fights against manageable opponents before facing tougher competition.
Sixth Round
Herndon went down again in the sixth round due more to fatigue than cumulative punishment. Wilder had hurt him multiple times throughout the round, and a stoppage before the end of the round wouldn’t have been a surprise.
Wilder 10-8 (Wilder 60-42)
Fifth Round
This was Herndon’s best round, but he still couldn’t secure the frame. Wilder’s jab was consistent, though he seemed to slow down, allowing Herndon to land a few notable shots.
Wilder 10-9 (Wilder 50-44)
Fourth Round
Wilder continued his winning formula from the first three rounds, though Herndon did manage to land a left hook that gained Wilder’s attention.
Wilder 10-9 (Wilder 40-35)
Third Round
Wilder’s jab won him another round, but his head movement and overall defense seemed to falter. While Herndon made him miss, he lacked the skills or confidence to capitalize. Wilder remains in control, albeit not impressively.
Wilder 10-9 (Wilder 30-26)
Second Round
Wilder scored a flash knockdown with a check left hook, although it was mostly due to Herndon’s imbalance. It counts as a knockdown, but Herndon wasn’t seriously hurt.
Wilder 10-8 (Wilder 20-17)
First Round
Wilder approached this fight in a measured manner, clearly aiming to log some rounds after a yearlong layoff. He maintained control over Herndon with his jab and the threat of the right hand.
Wilder 10-9.
The main event has commenced. There was some confusion earlier with the announcers discussing the co-main event, but with Herndon walking to the ring, we are set.
- Nico Hernandez def. Robert Ledesma via TKO-2
Second Round
Hernandez wasted no time, taking charge in the second round. He dominated Ledesma as anticipated, securing a KO.
First Round
Hernandez was overwhelming Ledesma, who was knocked down late in the round, suggesting another knockdown was imminent.
Let’s hope this fight surpasses the last one. Hernandez is undefeated and appeared in his hometown, but his opponent has a 3-14 record.
- Gustavo Trujillo def. Lateef Kayode via TKO-6
Sixth Round
Trujillo finally shifted gears, chasing the KO, but the referee hesitated to end the fight. Fortunately, the corner stepped in to call it off. This was a rough bout for the sport overall.
Fifth Round
The audience at Koch Arena was not pleased; the atmosphere was dull as the fight dragged on. Trujillo was dominant, but it was painful to watch.
Fourth Round
Kayode appeared off-balance and lacked coordination, showing signs that were concerning for a professional boxer. Meanwhile, Trujillo was decisively winning each round.
Third Round
Trujillo unleashed a flurry of punches in the corner but hesitated to go for the finish. The fight was painfully lackluster.
Second Round
The heavyweights did not impress, eliciting boos from the crowd by the second round.
