Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly named his two-man hit list following the collapse of a proposed showdown with Deontay Wilder.
After a tougher-than-expected 11th-round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven in May, the Ukrainian vacated his three world titles and announced he would be entering just one more fight.
He was then heavily linked to a stateside encounter with Wilder, who is coming off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora in April.
Ultimately, though, the two heavyweights went their separate ways and, in a surprising turn of events, Wilder was linked to a bout against cruiserweight Jai Opetaia on December 11.
The pair were reportedly in talks to collide on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard, with former two-time world cruiserweight champion Opetaia set to make his heavyweight debut. However, since that news broke Wilder has also been linked to a potential clash against Verhoeven, a fight the former kickboxer has already accepted.
As for Usyk, it would seem, according to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, that he is now entertaining a trilogy match with Fury.
The masterful southpaw won their two encounters in 2024, but is reportedly willing to gamble his unbeaten record and face the ‘Gypsy King’ once again.
Additionally, Coppinger has taken to social media and suggested that the 39-year-old is open to a clash with unbeaten WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion David Benavidez.
“There’s a good reason Oleksandr Usyk vacated his [three] heavyweight titles, and that’s because he is big-game hunting as he enters his age-41 campaign.
“A trilogy with Tyson Fury (if he beats AJ) and David Benavidez are seen as viable options for the [Ring Magazine] heavyweight champ.”
There’s a good reason Oleksandr Usyk vacated his four heavyweight titles, and that’s because he is big-game hunting as he enters his age-41 campaign. A trilogy with Tyson Fury (if he beats AJ) and David Benavidez are seen as viable options for the @ringmagazine heavyweight champ. pic.twitter.com/Mt1Zb6JQGr
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) October 15, 2026
While he is set to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5, Benavidez has repeatedly expressed his desire to join the heavyweight division and test himself against Usyk.
