While many pundits call for Deontay Wilder to retire after a run of paltry performances, the former longtime heavyweight titleholder has ambitious plans to conquer and reign supreme once more.

The quest begins Friday when Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) takes on journeyman Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The Global Combat Collective PPV event will be distributed by BLK Prime, Fubo, and PPV.com, among others, for $24.95.

Wilder, who turns 40 in October, is working to get back into prime shape in short order to present himself as a palatable opponent for Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk, The Ring, WBA, WBC and WBO champion, is preparing to face IBF beltholder Daniel Dubois in a rematch on July 19.

Wilder expects Usyk to remain victorious and wants for them to get it on in 2026. Usyk was open to facing Wilder as far back as 2023, prior to Wilder’s recent run of losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

“If Usyk is still around when the time comes, it's a no-brainer,” Wilder told The Ring. “I think it would be amazing. I'll fight him if he's ready. But this year is off the table for a lot of people, for both of us. Next year could be full of surprises. He's said before that he wanted to fight me, and I hope he still feels the same way. What he's done has been great and I am happy for him. He came in and got opportunities that I couldn't get because I was dangerous.”

It’s not far-fetched for Wilder to emerge as a frontrunner to face Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) if he strings together some wins. Usyk has cleaned out the top of the weight class with two wins apiece against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua and one already under his belt against Dubois.

Wilder said he’s been an Usyk fan over the years.

“I was [rooting for Usyk to beat Fury],” Wilder said with a laugh. “I knew his capabilities and how skilled he was. I was telling people before the first fight that Usyk would win based on his style. I was picking my side, and it had nothing to do with [my rivalry with Fury]. And after he beat him the first time, I knew it would be easier the second time. I am happy for Usyk.”

Pleasantries aside, Wilder is ready to pounce now that he’s in a better mindset.

“I'm here to make the heavyweight division exciting again. You need controversy in boxing, and here I am to stir it up again,” said Wilder.

“When you have a strong Deontay Wilder, physically, mentally, emotionally, it's hard for anybody to be able to beat me, or build the guts and nerves to fight me. I'm still that same person, but I just had a rocky couple of years in my life that I didn't see coming. And just like in the ring, the punches you don't see in life are the ones that are the most detrimental.”