Deontay Wilder is set to make his boxing comeback on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon following a secret shoulder surgery four months ago.
The 39-year-old former WBC champion will face Herndon, 37, who boasts a 24-5 record with three consecutive victories.
Wilder's return comes after suffering back-to-back defeats that derailed potential showdowns with Anthony Joshua.
What fans didn't know was that Wilder had been battling a severe right shoulder injury, which required surgical intervention.
Deontay Wilder is set to make his boxing comeback on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon following a secret shoulder surgery four months ago
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His manager Shelly Finkel told The Sun: "He's been now working out and his flexibility is back and he's punching harder than ever."
The revelation sheds new light on Wilder's recent performances, particularly his knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang last June.
The American boxer, known as "The Bronze Bomber", is now fully recovered and ready to restart his career.
Finkel revealed the extent of Wilder's shoulder problem in his interview.
"It may have been there with the Parker fight, but it was before the Zhang fight," Finkel explained.
Deontay Wilder hasn't fought since losing to Zhilei Zhang last year
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"Not making excuses for the result, but it's just the reality he had it."
The manager detailed how medical professionals were surprised by Wilder's ability to compete with such an injury.
"And when the doctor pressed down on his wrist and said extend your arm and push down, he said it's amazing you could hold your arm up and fight at all," Finkel recounted.
The surgery appears to have been successful, with Wilder now reportedly back to full strength.
Wilder's recent setbacks include a points loss to Joseph Parker in December 2023 followed by a knockout defeat to Zhilei Zhang in June 2024.
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Both losses came at crucial moments when Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alsheikh had lined him up for potential fights with Joshua.
Despite a period of silence following the Zhang defeat, Wilder never contemplated retirement.
Finkel was clear about his fighter's mindset: "No, he never wanted to call it a day because he never wanted his career to end the way that was."
The 41-year-old Zhang victory in Riyadh represented a significant setback for Wilder.
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However, with the shoulder surgery now behind him, the American boxer appears determined to rebuild his career and reputation in the heavyweight division.
Wilder's team has ambitious plans for the fighter's future beyond the June comeback.
Finkel revealed Wilder intends to fight again "around September time" before setting up a major bout around Christmas or New Year.
The long-awaited clash with Joshua remains a priority for Wilder's camp.
Deontay Wilder continues to hold out hope of a blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua
PA
"It would be a big, big fight still. Maybe not quite as big as it was, you know, five years ago, but it's still enormous," Finkel insisted.
He compared it to another famous delayed matchup: "It's like in a way, Mayweather and Pacquiao wasn't the same when they fought, but it was pretty damn big."
Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou was also discussed as a potential opponent.
Regarding venue possibilities for a Joshua fight, Finkel stated: "I believe that's a Wembley card, so we'll see."
