Usyk in talks for final career fight against Wilder

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed that negotiations are underway for what he expects to be the final fight of his career, with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder emerging as the frontrunner. The Ukrainian, who vacated his WBC, IBF, and WBA titles earlier this summer, told The Athletic that discussions are ongoing with Zuffa Boxing for a bout in the United States, potentially in December or early 2027.

Usyk, 39, framed the potential matchup as a matter of opportunity. "Why not? If Deontay's team wants it, I do it. Money, business now we have two options, but what for me is good, we will take," he said. The fighter, widely regarded as the finest heavyweight of his generation, indicated that his team is working on finalizing the details, though he did not identify the second opponent being considered.

The proposed fight would pit two of the era's most prominent heavyweights against each other. Usyk has secured victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois, while Wilder, 40, is a former long-reigning WBC champion known for his formidable punching power. Wilder recently returned to the win column with a split-decision victory over Derek Chisora in April.