Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has identified his next opponent. The Ukrainian star has named former WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder as his primary target. This announcement sets the stage for a major clash of styles in the coming year.
Usyk, 38, further solidified his status as a legend in July. He stopped Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. This was a historic feat in the four-belt era.
However, the heavyweight landscape shifted shortly after the victory. Usyk vacated his WBO title. Consequently, British contender Fabio Wardley was promoted from interim to full world champion.
Despite these changes, Usyk remains focused on marquee matchups rather than mandatory defenses. Speaking on Tuesday, the champion confirmed his intentions.
“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk stated.
A Lifeline for “The Bronze Bomber”
A potential fight with Usyk offers a massive opportunity for Wilder. The 40-year-old American’s standing in the division has been volatile recently.
Wilder, once considered the sport’s most fearsome puncher, endured a difficult stretch. He suffered back-to-back stoppage losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024.
However, Wilder ended a year-long hiatus in June. He returned to the win column with a seventh-round stoppage of Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. While the victory was low-key, it caught the undisputed champion’s eye.
“He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy,” Usyk said of Wilder. “One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”
The Final Chapter
Usyk’s interest in Wilder aligns with his retirement timeline. The Olympic gold medalist plans to hang up his gloves in 2026.
Usyk previously conquered the cruiserweight division before dominating heavyweights like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. With only a few fights left in his illustrious career, he appears determined. Usyk is prioritizing legacy-defining spectacles over ranking logistics to close out his era.
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