Silence Offed Deontay Wilder’s Comeback Masterminded by Promoter Nelson Lopez Jr – Joshua Fight in the Pipeline
Promoter Nelson Lopez Jr has emerged as the driving force behind Deontay Wilder’s (43-4-1, 42 KOs) latest return to the ring.
“The Bronze Bomber” is set to face Texas heavyweight champion Tyrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) tomorrow, June 27, in Wichita, marking the beginning of a carefully mapped-out three-fight comeback plan.
Lopez has confirmed that Wilder’s return is structured under a tentative three-fight agreement—with the second bout already lined up and talks underway for a potential third showdown against none other than Anthony Joshua.
READ MORE : Bronze Bomber’s Legacy: Wilder’s Reign Would Be Defined By
Speaking to SunSport, Lopez—nicknamed “Lolo”—explained:
“Yeah, listen, we’ve got a tentative deal and we’re going one step at a time.
We’ve got this one lined up, the next one is in place, but there’s nothing solid for the third—because, you know how boxing is. There’s no guaranteed path to success.
We’ve got to get through this first. Then, maybe Eddie [Hearn] will come to the table and we can see if something can happen with AJ.”
Former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is also on the comeback trail, recovering from a shoulder surgery following a recent defeat. Similarly, Wilder underwent corrective surgery to repair a persistent shoulder issue and now claims to be fully fit and ready to reignite his career.
RELATED NEWS : Anthony Joshua Unveils Bold Masterplan With Eddie Hearn to
Wilder has suffered four losses in his last five outings—a brutal run that included a decision loss to Joseph Parker in December 2024, followed by a knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang just six months later. The back-to-back defeats derailed what was once a highly anticipated mega-fight with Joshua, who himself is aiming to rebound later this year.
At 39, Wilder knows the stakes are higher than ever. A loss to Herndon, a relatively unknown opponent, could spell the end of his heavyweight journey. That’s why the comeback begins with a low-risk bout—strategically chosen to rebuild confidence and momentum.
Still, the possibility of a Joshua vs. Wilder blockbuster remains on the table. If Joshua wins his next scheduled fight—rumored for November—and Wilder clears his two comeback bouts, the long-awaited transatlantic showdown could finally materialize in early 2026.
The road is uncertain, but hope lingers—and for fans, the dream of Wilder vs. Joshua lives on.
