Fighting for the first time in nearly 13 months, the 39-year-old Wilder recorded his first win since October 2022 with a seventh-round TKO over Herndon, who was in survival mode throughout as he averaged just 12.6 punches per round, landed 18 percent overall, 16 percent jabs and 23 percent power and recorded only 15 total connects, 10 of which were jabs. Under the tutelage of Don House, Wilder was disciplined and worked behind a busy jab (46 attempts/4.0 connects per round) that comprised 68.1 percent of his total output. He also flashed his patented power as he scored knockdowns in rounds two (left hook) and six (flurry of rights) before a final right to the jaw in round seven caused Herndon to totter toward his corner, a sight that prompted referee Ray Corona to intervene. Though Wilder struggled with his accuracy (13 percent overall, 9 percent jabs, 22 percent power), he was busy (67.6 punches per round) and ended the fight ahead 59-15 overall, 27-10 jabs, 3-2 body, and 32-5 power.
