Heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk is currently in negotiations with Zuffa Boxing for a farewell bout against Deontay Wilder in the United States. The discussions come after Usyk vacated his WBA 'Super', WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles last week, stating he has not retired and seeks 'one last dance' in the ring.
At 39 years old, Usyk remains unbeaten in 25 professional fights and is often hailed as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. In contrast, 40-year-old Wilder, a former world champion, has seen a decline in performance in recent years. According to Sergey Lapin, Usyk's team director, “Usyk has already stated that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his last dance.”
Potential Fight Location and Promotion
Usyk's team is considering the United States as the most logical venue for this highly anticipated fight. Discussions with Zuffa Boxing, led by Dana White and supported by Saudi Arabian funding, could mark a significant shift in boxing promotion. Zuffa Boxing aims to establish its champions and reshape the traditional promotional framework.
Lapin emphasized, “We are in direct discussions with Zuffa Boxing at the highest level. At this stage, no agreements have been signed.” If finalized, this bout could be a major international event that draws considerable media attention.
Wilder's Readiness for the Match
Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, confirmed that if Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would accept it. Wilder recently secured his 45th victory in a split decision against Derek Chisora in April, bringing his professional record to 50 fights. Despite being known for his knockout power, Wilder's performance has waned since his trilogy with Tyson Fury.
Usyk's recent decision to vacate his titles rather than defend them against Agit Kabayel indicates his preference for a high-profile matchup with Wilder. There have been calls for a rematch with kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, whom Usyk controversially defeated in May, but it seems Usyk favors Wilder for his farewell.
Factors Influencing the Fight's Success
Lapin noted that while there is significant interest in the Usyk-Wilder fight, concrete agreements are still pending. “A fight of this level requires more than just the right names. It also requires the right partner, the right venue, the right broadcast platform, and an event of the appropriate scale,” he remarked.
- Usyk's professional record: 25 fights, 25 wins
- Wilder's professional record: 50 fights, 45 wins
- Wilder's age: 40
- Usyk's age: 39
- Recent fight: Wilder vs. Chisora (April 2026)
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
