Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has named American powerhouse Deontay Wilder as his top choice for an upcoming fight, expressing keen interest in facing the former WBC titleholder.
Usyk, who recently solidified his status as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Londoner Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July, has since opted to vacate his WBO belt. This decision saw Britain’s Fabio Wardley elevated from interim to full champion within the organization.
“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk stated, outlining his plans for the future. Despite Wilder’s recent setbacks, including consecutive stoppage losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024, Usyk continues to view ‘The Bronze Bomber’ as a significant and compelling opponent.
Wilder, 40, a former WBC world champion once renowned as the division’s most feared puncher, made his return to the ring in June after more than a year out, securing a seventh-round stoppage against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. Millenium TV has learned that Usyk still holds the American in high regard, acknowledging his past achievements.
“He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy,” Usyk explained. “One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”
Usyk’s decision to vacate his WBO title rather than facing mandatory challenger Wardley opens the door for a potential voluntary defense against Wilder, should an agreement be reached swiftly. The landscape of mandatory challengers across other organizations is currently intricate, with WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel slated to fight Damian Knyba on January 10. The IBF has ordered Richard Torrez Jr. to meet Frank Sanchez in a final eliminator, while WBA regular champion Kubrat Pulev is set to face Murat Gassiev on December 12.
Usyk, who boasts victories over Tyson Fury (twice), Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua, has previously indicated he plans to compete for only two more years, aiming for a final fight in 2026. The Olympic gold medalist achieved undisputed status at cruiserweight before moving to the heavyweight division, where he famously outpointed Fury to become boxing’s first undisputed champion in 25 years.
© Millenium TV
