Usyk Names Wilder as Top Choice for 2026 Bout

Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion, has named former WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder as his preferred opponent for a potential return bout in 2026. The Ukrainian fighter, who has not competed since knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round last July to claim undisputed status for the second time, expressed interest in facing the American during a recent interview at the WBC convention in Bangkok, Thailand.

Usyk, 37, recently vacated his WBO belt rather than defend it against interim champion Joseph Parker, a move that led to Fabio Wardley defeating Parker and claiming the title. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk explained his choice. "I want a fight with Deontay Wilder," he said. "For me I think it's interesting. He's a world champion guy, very famous guy, he's a strong guy. He's one of the great heavyweights in the last 10 years." Usyk added that discussions with his team positioned Wilder as the top option, sidelining talks of a third fight with Tyson Fury, whom he has defeated twice in the past two years.

Wilder, 40, welcomed the overture. The Alabama native, who held the WBC title from 2015 to 2020, responded directly to Usyk's comments...