Exclusive – Wilder’s next fight

Nelson Lopez Jr – who promoted Wilder’s comeback fight – told SunSport the American’s next comeback fight is already pencilled in.

And then an anticipated showdown against Anthony Joshua has been targeted for next year.

Nelson said: “We got a tentative deal and we’re just going one by one. 

“We have the next one set up, this one set up, nothing solid for the third one – you know how boxing is, there’s no path of how you succeed.

“We have to get over this, so anything can happen. We got to get over the next one. Anything can happen.

“And then, you know maybe Eddie (Hearn) will sit at the table and see what we can do something with AJ.”

Wilder speaks

Deontay Wilder said: “It felt great. Thanks to my opponent, I appreciate the work.

“I’ve been laid off for a long time, getting myself back together, repairing myself emotionally.

“It is just nice to be back in the ring. This is a new beginning for me.”

Wilder floors Herndon

Deontay Wilder floored Tyrrell Herndon twice before winning his comeback fight in seven rounds.

The former WBC heavyweight world champion returned to the ring in Wichita, Kansas against little-known Herndon.

And he did so without a win since 2022 – having lost on points to Joseph Parker before a crushing KO defeat to Zhilei Zhang.

But Wilder did get back in the win column after dropping Herndon first in round two with a left hook then with a combination in the seventh.