Deontay Wilder is aiming to have a tune-up fight before taking on Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight contender surprised many by revealing his desired next opponent. Despite being 40 years old and having lost four of his last six bouts, Wilder may still get a shot at Usyk’s WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles in 2026.
Wilder is currently in Dubai for the IBA Men’s Elite World Championship, where tensions flared during a face-off with Derek Chisora. What began as a lighthearted moment quickly escalated, with Chisora grabbing Wilder, leading security to intervene. Wilder then expressed interest in fighting Chisora as a preparatory match before facing Usyk, recalling a past fight that fell through due to legal issues.
Meanwhile, Wilder is concerned about Anthony Joshua’s reputation ahead of Joshua’s highly publicized December 19th bout against Jake Paul, streaming live on Netflix. Wilder fears that a one-sided loss could damage Joshua’s legacy, as people tend to remember their last performances in highlight reels.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans because it sets the stage for potentially compelling matchups in the heavyweight division, especially with Wilder aiming to bounce back against Chisora and then challenge Usyk. It could reshape the heavyweight landscape and offer thrilling moments that keep the sport dynamic and engaging.
