Deontay Wilder wants Oleksandr Usyk next. Co-manager Shelly Finkel confirms The Bronze Bomber would welcome the fight after Usyk vacated his heavyweight title. We break down why Usyk Wilder makes sense, Wilder's motivation, Usyk's title decision, and where the fight could happen.
The heavyweight division just got interesting again.
Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles. And within hours, Deontay Wilder's camp raised their hand.
Wilder's Co-manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports. "If the terms were right, Deontay would welcome the opportunity to fight Usyk. Usyk is a great champion and it would be an honour to fight him."
With Usyk free from mandatories and Wilder chasing one last legacy defining win, Usyk vs Wilder suddenly looks like the most logical heavyweight fight to make in 2026.
Why Usyk Vacated
Usyk's last title defense was a late stoppage win over kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. That fight sparked debate, but a rematch is considered unlikely.
Instead of defending against more mandatories, Usyk's team chose to drop the belts. The goal is clear: big fights, on his terms.
His promotional CEO Sergey Lapin from Ready To Fight also shut down talk of a Fury trilogy: "I don't really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring."
So with Fury seemingly off the table, who's left? Wilder.
Wilder Wants It
This isn't new for Wilder. He's been calling for Usyk for a while.
"He's one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what i need to accomplish, it can happen and it will happen. As long as i have the confidence to do what i have to do, it will happen. I must accomplish what i set forth in the beginning of my career." Wilder told Sky Sports.
For Wilder, this is about legacy.
He's 39. He already fought Fury 3 times. He's held the WBC titles for 5 years. The one thing missing from his resume is a win over an undisputed, Olympic gold medalist, pound for pound great.
Beating Usyk would completely rewrite the narrative on Wilder's career. Losing to him wouldn't hurt it. It's the classic high risk, high reward fight.
On paper, this is boxing's ultimate clash of styles.
Oleksandr Usyk
The master technician. Southpaw footwork, angles, 12 round engine, and a jab that breaks you down. He's undefeated at heavyweight and has beaten Anthony Joshua twice and Tyson Fury twice. He's the smartest heavyweight alive.
Deontay Wilder
The ultimate equalizer. 42 KOs in 43 wins. The right hand that can end a fight from any position. He's less refined, but one shot from Wilder changes everything. As Finkel knows, "If the terms were right" that power is always in play.
The question:
1. Can Usyk avoid the right hand for 12 Rounds? He did it against Fury. But Wilder right is faster and stronger.
2. Can Wilder handle Usyk's volume? No one has outworked Usyk at heavyweight. Wilder has gassed in deep fight before.
3. Chin vs power: Usyk has been dropped but never stopped. Wilder has been stopped but only by Fury.
This is the purest boxer vs puncher match-up left in heavyweight boxing.
Where Would It Happen?
Usyk Wilder would almost certainly land in America. That's Wilder's market, and it's the biggest PPV stage left for him.
But Usyk still has one dream: "Saudi Arabia and the United States are both outstanding venues for major events. But if we're talking about a dream, it would undoubtedly be Ukraine," Lapin said.
Since Russia's full scale invasion, boxing in Ukraine has been impossible. Don't expect that to change for a fight of this magnitude.
Realistically, expect Las Vegas, New York, or Saudi Arabia to bid. All three have the money and the platform for a fight between two former champions and future Hall of Famers.
What It Means For The Heavyweight Division
With Usyk vacating, the belts are about to scatter. That opens the door for new champions, but it also frees up Usyk to chase legacy fights instead of politics.
For Wilder, this is likely his last run. A win over Usyk put him straight back into undisputed contention and gives him the signature win he's chased for 15 years. A loss still gives him a payday and a final shot at greatness.
For Usyk, it's about cementing himself as the heavyweight of this era. He's beaten Joshua and Fury. Wilder is the last name from the previous generation he hasn't faced.
What Needs To Happen Next
1. Terms: Finkel's quote is key. "If the terms were right." This will come down to money, network, and date.
2. Sanctioning: With no belts on the line, both men can fight without WBC/WBA/IBF politics.
3. Timing: Usyk is 38. Wilder is 39. Neither has time to waste. Late 2026 makes sense.
Deontay Wilder vs Oleksandr Usyk is not just a fight. It's a statement.
It's power vs skill. It's America vs Ukraine. It's two men trying to define the end of their careers.
Finkel has opened the door. Usyk's team is looking for big fights. Wilder has the motivation.
If the money is right. This fight should happen. And if it does, it has Fight of the Year written all over it.
Because in heavyweight boxing, one punch from Wilder and one masterclasses from Usyk is all it takes.
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