Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as his preferred opponent for 2026, describing the matchup as an “interesting” challenge as he prepares for the final years of his career.
Usyk, 38, re-established himself as a two-time undisputed heavyweight king in July after stopping Britain’s Daniel Dubois in London. Shortly after the victory, he vacated the WBO title, prompting Fabio Wardley’s elevation from interim to full champion. The Ukrainian still holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk revealed that Wilder tops his list of desired opponents when he returns to the ring next year.
“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk said. “He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy. One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”
Wilder, the former long-reigning WBC champion and once regarded as the division’s most devastating puncher, has endured a turbulent run since his trilogy with Tyson Fury. Now 40, the American has recorded consecutive losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024.
After more than a year out of action, Wilder returned to score a TKO victory over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in June but remains on a rebuilding path as he eyes another shot at heavyweight gold—10 years after he first dethroned Bermane Stiverne.
Wilder’s co-manager, Shelly Finkel, welcomed Usyk’s comments and confirmed they are willing to explore negotiations.
“Usyk is a great champion,” Finkel told Sky Sports. “We have plans for next year, and we’d like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them. If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight.”
A clash between Usyk and Wilder would bring together contrasting styles—the Ukrainian’s elite movement, precision, and ring IQ against Wilder’s explosive knockout power. With Usyk set on fighting for only two more years, the bout could become one of the standout heavyweight matchups of the decade.
