CAIRO, EGYPT – MAY 20: Oleksandr Usyk throughout the Glory In Giza Media Day forward of his WBC heavyweight title combat in opposition to Rico Verhoeven on saturday on Might 20, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. (Picture by Mark Robinson/Getty Pictures)
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Oleksandr Usyk is chasing large paydays and large names, and he doesn’t care what you or anybody else thinks about his selections.
The best heavyweight of the present era and top-of-the-line fighters on the planet has vacated all of his championship belts, and he’s in search of one final combat to finish his storied profession.
Key Information at a Look
- Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) vacated the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles on June 26 — however retains The Ring (lineal) title.
- He is introduced one “final dance” earlier than retiring, not a full retirement.
- Shortlist of two: Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones; Wilder most well-liked (adviser Sergey Lapin to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger).
- Goal: late 2026 or early 2027, in the USA.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the combat to be Wilder.
Who Does Oleksandr Usyk Need For His Closing Struggle?
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn leaked Usyk’s intentions on Saturday night time at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn. Hearn was on the town for the spectacular Jaron Ennis vs. Xander Zayas 154-pound title combat, and he advised DAZN’s Chris Mannix that Usyk desires to combat Deontay Wilder.
However that’s not it.
If Usyk can’t get Wilder, he’s in search of one other crossover scrap. Usyk simply eeked out a victory over renowned kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Might, and now the Ukrainian celebrity is alleged to be considering a boxing match with UFC nice — Jon Jones.
Chasing a combat with Wilder or Jones ignores fights with Agit Kabayel, who has been elevated to WBC champion with Usyk’s choice. It additionally dodges fights with up-and-comers like Moses Itauma.
Why Is Deontay Wilder The Frontrunner?
As Hearn mentioned on Saturday, “Usyk has earned the appropriate to do no matter he desires.” He has attained a stage of greatness that few within the sport attain. Due to his standing, he’s allowed to goal just for the most important fights with the best paydays and in some cases, the least hazard.
Wilder is the one elite heavyweight of Usyk’s time that he didn’t face. So it is smart for him to need to shut that hole. Nonetheless, Wilder isn’t the identical man he was when he reigned because the WBC heavyweight champion from 2015-19.
He’s misplaced 4 occasions with three of these losses coming by TKO. Wilder received a split decision over Derek Chisora in April, however he appeared lower than stellar within the course of.
May Usyk vs. Jon Jones Really Occur?
This one is very unlikely for a mess of causes. Jones, whereas retired, remains to be beneath contract with the UFC. Dana White and Co. have repeatedly shut down their fighters collaborating in boxing matches whereas beneath contract except Conor McGregor’s conflict with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
Additionally, Jones’ finest fight sports activities ability isn’t his boxing. In reality, it’s the weakest side of his sport. There’s virtually no likelihood he’d put himself able to be pummeled by Usyk.
Jones doesn’t have to chase this type of factor like Verhoeven. He received’t put himself in a compromising place.
What’s Subsequent For Usyk And The Heavyweight Division?
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will conflict at the very least as soon as and will probably be arguably the most important combat of the yr. Each each of them are lengthy within the tooth.
The heavyweight division is prepared for recent stars. Itauma and Kabayel could possibly be subsequent. Additional down the highway, the massively gifted Leo Atang might step into superstardom.
As for Usyk, he could get the itch down the highway, however he’s seemingly safe together with his choice to stroll away after yet another low-risk, high-reward combat.
