Usyk Granted WBC Permission for Wilder Showdown

Usyk Cleared for Voluntary Title Defence Against Wilder

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been cleared to make a voluntary defence of his WBC title, paving the way for a potential high-stakes clash against Deontay Wilder.

Speaking earlier this week, Usyk named Wilder as his “first option” for his next opponent, despite the American’s current unranked status in the WBA, WBC, and IBF top 10.

No Immediate Mandatory Ordered by WBC

The World Boxing Council (WBC) announced during their annual convention that they would not enforce a mandatory defence just yet, opening the door for Usyk to proceed with a blockbuster voluntary bout.

“Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk can make a voluntary defence. He’s already said he would like to fight Deontay Wilder,” read a statement from the WBC.

This decision allows Usyk to retain the WBC belt while pursuing a financially and competitively attractive matchup with Wilder.

Usyk’s Championship Landscape

• In July, Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois in Round 5 to reclaim his status as undisputed heavyweight champion.

• In November, he vacated his WBO title to avoid a mandatory defence against Fabio Wardley, who was elevated to champion.

• Usyk still holds the WBA, IBF, and WBC belts.

If the Wilder fight materializes, Usyk may risk further title relinquishments if other sanctioning bodies enforce mandatories. However, the WBC’s leniency signals growing support for big-money matchups.

British Contenders on the Rise

The WBC convention also highlighted a surge in British talent:

• A potential clash between Lawrence Okolie and Moses Itauma could determine the next WBC heavyweight mandatory challenger.

  • Itauma faces Jermaine Franklin on 24 January in Manchester.

  • Okolie will fight in Nigeria later this month.

• At light-heavyweight, Joshua Buatsi vs Ben Whittaker is being considered a final eliminator for a world title shot.

• Conor Benn was named number one challenger to Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.

WBC Strips Crawford of Belt

In other major news, Terence Crawford has been stripped of his WBC super-middleweight title due to unpaid sanctioning fees. The governing body called it a “slap in the face.”

Crawford remains the WBA ‘Super’, WBO, and IBF champion in the division.

What’s Next for Usyk and Wilder?

With the WBC’s green light, fans may finally get to see Usyk vs Wilder—a clash of power and precision. While questions remain about Wilder’s rankings and other mandatory challengers, this announcement is a major step toward one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups.