Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed that he will fight on and the unified heavyweight world champion is currently in talks with one man with a potential date and location revealed.
A former undisputed cruiserweight world champion, Usyk moved up to the heavyweight scene back in 2019 and halted Chazz Witherspoon on debut, before becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler by twice conquering each of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois.
Now, Usyk looks set to face a non-British opponent for the first time since Witherspoon, with manager Egis Klimas telling The National that a fight with Deontay Wilder is ‘very likely’ and that the bout will be agreed once Usyk has first settled on a new multi-fight deal.
“It’s very likely [that Usyk fights Wilder] because right now we’re working on it, and we’re working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr.
As soon as we’re ready to confirm that, we’re going to jump in. And some talks already are going on with the team of Wilder.”
Klimas then went on to provide further details about Usyk’s clash with ‘The Bronze Bomber’, revealing that the Ukrainian will fight in the United States for the first time since his heavyweight debut when he returns to action in around four months’ time.
“We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and dates are the end of April, beginning of May.
“Wilder is one of the best names [that] Oleksandr didn’t face yet. He’s still in good shape, and he’s still a fighter, so he’s interesting. And as well, it’s the United States.”
Those dates suggest that Usyk could fight twice in 2026, possibly resulting in what would be just a second multi-fight year since 2018 for the undefeated champion.
