Oleksandr Usyk has identified Deontay Wilder as the only major heavyweight still eager to fight after Usyk’s remarkable career so far. When Usyk jumped to heavyweight in 2019, top fighters like Anthony Joshua, who briefly lost to Andy Ruiz Jr. but soon reclaimed his titles, were prominent in the division. Usyk gave up his belt just two fights into his heavyweight journey, with a rematch expected to finalize that chapter. He later became the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury, leaving Wilder as the last iconic heavyweight contender.
At the close of the 2010s and start of the 2020s, Wilder was seen as the most powerful and feared champion with a flawless record of 40-0 and 39 knockouts. He nearly defeated Fury in their first bout, but Fury managed a draw despite being knocked down. However, since then Wilder’s weaknesses have been exposed, leading to a knockout defeat by Fury in 2020 and later two more consecutive loses—first to Joseph Parker and then being knocked down early by Zhilei Zhang after a win against Robert Helenius.
Despite Wilder’s setbacks, Usyk still wants to give him another shot at the heavyweight title, saying Wilder is a renowned, world-class fighter and one of the greatest heavyweights of the past decade.
Fan Take: This potential Usyk-Wilder matchup holds huge significance for fight fans as it could revive the excitement in the heavyweight division and offer Wilder a final chance to reclaim glory. Such high-profile battles are crucial for keeping the sport thrilling and highlighting the resilience and legacy of heavyweight champions.
