Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has identified Deontay Wilder as his preferred opponent for his next bout, calling the American his “top choice.” Usyk, who made history by defeating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, later gave up the WBO title, allowing Fabio Wardley to claim that belt outright.
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Usyk said, “I talked to the team and said he’s my first choice.” He expressed interest in facing Wilder due to the American’s reputation as a powerful puncher and his status as a former WBC world champion. “I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it would be an interesting matchup,” Usyk noted, adding that Wilder is “a world champion guy, very famous, strong, and one of the great heavyweights of the past decade.”
Wilder’s recent career has been challenging, following his trilogy fights with Tyson Fury, as he endured consecutive stoppage defeats to Joseph Parker and Ji-Ray Zhang. However, he recently made a comeback by stopping Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in seven rounds. Despite Wilder’s recent struggles, Usyk feels a fight with him would still be compelling.
Fan Take: This potential matchup is exciting for fight fans because it pits Usyk’s technical brilliance against Wilder’s raw power, offering a classic clash of styles. It could also reignite interest in the heavyweight division and provide a defining moment for both fighters’ legacies.
