Oleksandr Usyk targeting Deontay Wilder for next title defense: 'He is first option'

Usyk, who currently holds the WBA, IBF, and WBC heavyweight titles, expressed his desire to face Wilder in a recent interview with Boxing King Media, stating, "I spoke with my team and said he is the first option. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting. He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy, one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years."

The Ukrainian champion’s pursuit of Wilder comes after a series of high-profile bouts that have solidified his position as one of the sport’s elite fighters. Usyk’s professional record stands at an unblemished 24-0, with 15 victories coming by way of knockout. His most recent fight was in July, where he delivered a dominant performance against Daniel Dubois, securing a fifth-round knockout victory.

That win against Dubois was initially thought to have cemented Usyk’s status as the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time in his career, following his victory over Tyson Fury in May 2024. However, the complexities of boxing’s sanctioning bodies soon intervened.

The IBF title was stripped from Usyk after the Fury win due to his decision to pursue a contractually obligated rematch with Fury, rather than defend against the IBF’s mandatory challenger. This situation allowed Dubois to claim the vacant IBF title, a belt that Usyk would later reclaim by defeating Dubois.

Usyk also relinquished the WBO title, which was subsequently won by Fabio Wardley. In addition to his accomplishments in the heavyweight division, Usyk previously held the undisputed cruiserweight championship, marking him as one of the few fighters to achieve undisputed status in two different weight classes.

Deontay Wilder, on the other hand, enters this potential matchup with a record of 44-4-1, with an impressive 43 knockouts. For much of his career, Wilder was considered one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing, with his devastating one-punch knockout power making him a prominent figure in the heavyweight division.

Wilder’s reign as WBC champion began in January 2015, and he successfully defended the title ten times before suffering a seventh-round stoppage loss to Tyson Fury in February 2020. A second defeat to Fury followed, further diminishing Wilder’s standing in the division.

Following those losses, Wilder secured a first-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius. However, subsequent performances against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang raised concerns about his form. Wilder lost to Parker by a unanimous decision, and then he suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Zhang. In those fights, Wilder appeared hesitant and struggled to throw punches, leading to speculation about a decline in his abilities.

Wilder returned to the ring in June, securing a seventh-round knockout against Tyrrell Herndon. While this victory halted his losing streak, it came against an opponent with a far less impressive record than Wilder’s previous adversaries.

As of the latest rankings, Wilder is ranked No. 13 by the WBC but is unranked by the other three major sanctioning bodies (WBA, IBF, and WBO). This ranking reflects his recent mixed results and inactivity in the division.

Despite Wilder’s recent struggles, Usyk’s interest in the fight underscores the American’s enduring appeal as a box-office attraction and a potentially dangerous opponent. Wilder’s reputation as a knockout artist remains intact, and his ability to land a fight-changing punch makes him a threat to any fighter.

The potential Usyk-Wilder fight presents a fascinating clash of styles. Usyk is known for his exceptional boxing skills, footwork, and ring IQ, while Wilder relies on his explosive power and unorthodox style.

Negotiations for the fight have yet to begin in earnest, and several factors could influence whether the bout materializes. Wilder’s willingness to accept the fight, the financial terms offered, and the availability of suitable dates and venues will all play a role in determining whether the fight becomes a reality.

If the fight does come to fruition, it would represent a significant opportunity for both fighters. For Usyk, a victory over Wilder would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his era. For Wilder, a win over Usyk would represent a remarkable comeback and would restore his status as a top contender in the division.

The heavyweight division remains one of the most captivating in boxing, and the potential Usyk-Wilder clash adds another layer of intrigue to the landscape. As negotiations unfold, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of whether this highly anticipated fight will become a reality.