Oleksandr Usyk names shock next opponent for his next fight

Unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as his “first option” for his next fight.

The Ukrainian became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion when he beat Brit Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July, with plenty of speculation over who will challenge him next.

“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk told Boxing King Media.

Wilder, previously WBC world champion and one of heavyweight boxing’s most feared, has struggled since losing his trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.

The American has since suffered back-to-back stoppage defeats to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024, taking a year out before returning with a seventh-round win against little-known Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.

But despite his status slipping, Usyk still sees the Bronze Bomber as a marquee name for his next bout.

“He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy,” Usyk added.

“One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”

Usyk has vacated his WBO title rather than face mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley, who now holds the belt. A voluntary defence against Wilder is still possible if a deal is struck quickly, but several other contenders are already tied up.

The WBC interim scene heats up on 10 January when Agit Kabayel faces Damian Knyba in a key heavyweight clash.

The IBF has ordered Richard Torrez Jr to fight Frank Sanchez in a final eliminator, with the winner moving one step closer to a world title shot.

The WBA “regular” belt will also be on the line on 12 December, with Kubrat Pulev set to face Murat Gassiev.

Usyk, who has beaten Fury, Dubois and Anthony Joshua, plans to fight for just two more years, targeting the end of his career in 2026. The Olympic gold medallist made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.