Deontay Wilder desperately needs to stop the bleeding.

For years, the Alabama native had a case for being viewed as the best heavyweight on the planet. Nowadays however, that's a nonstarter.

Losing is a part of the game, but the manner in which his setbacks have occurred has been troubling. With shortcomings in three of his four appearances, the 39-year-old flirted with the thought of retirement. But, after taking some time to himself, he decided against it.

Officially, Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) will return to the ring in what some would consider a considerable step down in competition when taking on Tyrrell Herndon on June 27.

Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) isn't oblivious to the dubious voices emanating from the naysayers as few, if any, are giving him much of a competitive chance. While he isn't looking to placate his critics, the 37-year-old does look at this as an opportunity to shine a light on his career.

Training camp and working on his mechanics will aid him, but Herndon is also using film study.

There are now many fights Herndon can point to. Wilder's two defeats by fellow former champion Tyson Fury and his most recent stoppage defeat by Zhilei Zhang serve as good examples. Yet, Herndon has gravitated towards a lopsided decision loss to Joseph Parker.

"That's one of the top five fights that I'm dissecting," Herndon told Tha Boxing Voice. "He put on a beautiful boxing clinic. Just from his distance to the punches he chose, that's one that I'm watching."

Herndon and Parker are operating on different levels. Parker is a former world champion on the cusp of another title shot and holds the WBO's interim strap. Herndon meanwhile, isn't of that ilk. Despite failing whenever his level of opposition increased, the longtime journeyman believes he's good enough to produce a Parker 2.0-like display.

"I feel like I can emulate something like that," Herndon continued. "I'm taking the great things that he did and putting them in my bag."