Why I want to fight Wilder next – Usyk

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk says former WBC champion Deontay Wilder is his “first option” for his next bout, describing the American as one of the defining heavyweights of the past decade.

Usyk, 38, became a two-time undisputed champion in July after stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. He later vacated his WBO title, allowing Britain’s Fabio Wardley to be upgraded from interim to full champion.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, the Ukrainian confirmed he will return to the ring next year and wants Wilder standing across from him.

“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk said. He added that Wilder remains a major name despite recent setbacks. “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, 40, has struggled to rebuild form since his trilogy with Tyson Fury. His stock dropped after consecutive stoppage losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024. He returned in June with a low-key seventh-round stoppage of little-known Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.

Even so, Usyk believes the American still brings star power to the division.

Usyk may still fit in a voluntary defence if a deal is reached quickly, with several sanctioning bodies already locking in their mandatory fights. WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel faces Damian Knyba on 10 January, the IBF has ordered Richard Torrez Jr v Frank Sanchez, while WBA ‘regular’ champion Kubrat Pulev fights Murat Gassiev on 12 December.

Usyk, who has twice beaten Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua has repeatedly said he plans to fight for only two more years, eyeing a final run into 2026 before retirement.