The world heavyweight champion according to the WBA, WBC and IBF versions Oleksandr Usyk said that he wants to fight with American Deontay Wilder next year. According to Brunch Boxing, the statement was made during a boxing evening in Riyadh, where the absolute world champion in the second lightest weight Naoya Inoue and David Picasso arrived for the fight.
“Next year I want to fight with the “Bronze Bomber”. Yes, Wilder, ”said Usyk.
The last time Usyk entered the ring was in July 2025, when he knocked out Briton Daniel Dubois and won the title of absolute world champion for the third time. First, he collected all the belts in cruiserweight, and then twice in heavyweight.
In November, Usyk gave up the WBO title, which is why he lost the status of absolute champion in heavyweight. The new WBO belt holder is Fabio Wardley, who previously defeated Joseph Parker and was promoted from interim to full champion of the organization.
The 38-year-old Usyk has 24 wins in 24 fights, 15 of which are by knockout. The 40-year-old Wilder has 44 wins (43 by knockout), one draw and four losses; his last fight in June ended in a technical knockout against Tyrell Herndon.
Usyk received permission to voluntarily defend the WBC title and the opportunity to independently choose an opponent for his next fight.
