Former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder will return to the ring against the relatively unknown Tyrrell Herndon on 27 June in Wichita, Kansas.

Wilder was once the most feared puncher in world boxing and held the WBC title from 2015 to 2020.

The 39-year-old American – who was defeated by Tyson Fury in an electric trilogy bout – has won 43 fights with 42 knockouts, four losses and one draw.

He was stopped by Zhilei Zhang in June, six months after losing on points to Joseph Parker.

Those defeats derailed Wilder’s ambitions to reclaim a world title and scuppered plans for the long-awaited fight against Briton Anthony Joshua.

Wilder’s team confirmed to BBC Sport that the Bronze Bomber will face 37-year-old American Herndon, who has won 24 fights and lost five.

The fight will be promoted by Global Combat Collective and contested over 10 rounds.