The professional career of Oleksandr Usyk is approaching its final chapter, and the targeted opponent and date for his finale has been revealed.
Usyk almost suffered a shock defeat when defending his heavyweight crown against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt back in May, before rallying to a much-needed round 11 stoppage – albeit a controversial one.
During the aftermath, the reality that Father Time may have caught up with the 39-year-old seemed to convince him that he needed to preserve his legacy and hang up the gloves; hoping to do so with his undefeated record intact.
Although, despite the desire to remain unbeaten, the Ukrainian has been linked to a showdown with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who has underwhelmed in recent fights but remains heralded as one of the most fearsome knockout artists in boxing history.
Now, Usyk’s advisor Serhii Lapin has confirmed the truth of those reports and informed The Ring’s Mike Coppinger that a fight with Wilder is being planned for a United States card next March, as per Inside Ring Show.
“Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is targeting a fight with Deontay Wilder in March 2027 in the United States, Usyk’s advisor, Serhii Lapin told The Ring’s @MikeCoppinger.”
Usyk has not fought stateside since his heavyweight debut against Chazz Witherspoon in 2019, but the veteran has previously expressed his desire to fight in New York; which must now be considered as the frontrunner to host ‘The Last Dance’ of the two-division undisputed world champion.
