Usyk: I Want to Fight Deontay Wilder Next

Usyk: I Want to Fight Deontay Wilder Next

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed that Deontay Wilder is his top choice for his next opponent as he plans his return to the ring in 2026.

Usyk, 38, vacated his WBO title after defeating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July, elevating Fabio Wardley to full champion status. Despite relinquishing one of his belts, the Ukrainian legend still aims to continue his reign with a voluntary title defence—and Wilder tops his list.

“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk told Boxing King Media.

Why Wilder?

Despite Wilder’s decline since his back-to-back defeats against Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang, Usyk still holds him in high regard.

“He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy,” said Usyk.

“One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.”

Wilder, now 40, returned in June 2025 after a long hiatus with a win over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, but many doubt he can hang with the current elite.

Usyk’s Path Forward

Rather than face mandatory WBO challenger Fabio Wardley, Usyk opted to vacate the title. But with mandatory challengers across other sanctioning bodies already booked, he may squeeze in a voluntary defence against Wilder.

Here’s what’s ahead in the division:

• WBC ‘Interim’ Champion: Agit Kabayel vs Damian Knyba – 10 January 2026

• IBF Final Eliminator: Richard Torrez Jr vs Frank Sanchez – Date TBC

• WBA ‘Regular’ Champion: Kubrat Pulev vs Murat Gassiev – 12 December 2025

This opens a window of opportunity for a Usyk vs Wilder bout, likely in early or mid-2026.

Usyk’s Legacy

• Olympic Gold Medalist (2012)

• Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion

• Undisputed Heavyweight Champion after wins over Fury, Joshua, and Dubois

• First unified heavyweight champion in 25 years

Usyk has stated he intends to fight for only two more years, making each bout critical to his legacy.

Tactical Insight: Why Wilder Makes Sense

• Marketable Fight: Despite setbacks, Wilder remains a big name in the U.S.

• Voluntary Defence: Easier to arrange quickly than a mandatory bout

• Stylistic Challenge: Wilder’s one-punch power is a rare test Usyk hasn’t faced

This could be a high-risk, high-reward fight for both men—with Usyk chasing greatness, and Wilder seeking redemption.

What’s Next?

If talks proceed smoothly, fans could see Usyk vs Wilder announced in early 2026, possibly as a co-main to a larger card or even a stand-alone PPV event.

The world waits to see if the Ukrainian master technician will take on the American power puncher in a final act of heavyweight dominance.