WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder makes a comeback on June 27 at Wichita’s Charles Koch Arena, after four gutting losses in his past five bouts.
Wilder will be facing Texas-based comee Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15KOs) in a 10-round fight promoted “Legacy Reloaded,” which can be watched live on BLK Prime pay-per-view for $24.95.
Following the opening of a new high-tech personal training centre, Wilder has demonstrated his dedication to boxing and made it evident that he will continue fighting in the sport despite entreaties to retire.
What is Deontay Wilder’s Comeback Bout Paying?
There are rumours that the PPV event is a multi-fight agreement with BLK Prime, who also reportedly paid Terence Crawford about $10 million for an individual fight. However, official purse fighters have yet to be confirmed.
While other reports place the next bout at $2-3 million, industry insiders estimate Wilder will get at least $1 million. It is not PPV-worthy for Wilder to fight some anonymous bruiser, and now that he is a known quantity, he will have to have a dance partner with a name to headline a marquee fight.
With huge payday deals like his rematch payday of $25 million versus Tyson Fury, Wilder is still way ahead of money, even after knockout losses to Joseph Parker in November 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in June 2024.
Backed by wealthy sponsors, enigmatic BLK Prime seems keen on signing big-name heavyweight boxers, and Wilder is one of their standout cash-generating acquisitions.
The 39-year-old Wilder has maintained that his forthcoming contests will be “warm-up” battles.
“We have some fights lined up for this year. We’re fine-tuning things. I want to make sure everything is back there and working back the way I used to be, and better.”
It is obvious Wilder is seeking to gain confidence and momentum prior to taking another top-level fight.
Several victories would lay the ground for a money fight against top boxers, including Wilder’s ultimate wish to compete against Anthony Joshua one day.
Compared to mainstream promoters within the US and Saudi-backed entities, investment by BLK Prime demonstrates its intent to sign famous names within an emerging but disappointing list of heavyweight contenders.
The dynamics of the possible multi-fight deal suggest that there will be further partnerships after the Herndon fight.
Wilder’s salability and box office appeal may be reconfirmed with a dominating knockout, positioning him for an even bigger fight down the line in 2025.
Yet, another defeat would stain his reputation, even that of a journeyman. But now that financial security exists, legacy, rather than livelihood, is on the line. It seems to be his last opportunity to reclaim the supremacy that characterised his best years and earn another salary to end his career.