Oleksandr Usyk to face Deontay Wilder in retirement fight

Oleksandr Usyk will face Deontay Wilder in his retirement fight, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Hearn disclosed Usyk's plans Saturday while speaking to media ahead of the Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis card, MMA Mania reports. The revelation comes one day after the former undisputed heavyweight champion vacated his titles and announced his intention to retire after one final bout.

Why Usyk chose Wilder over ordered challengers

"I think he's accomplished everything," Hearn said of the Ukrainian, per the report. "He's earned the right to do whatever he wants. So he's gonna fight Wilder next, I believe. And that's just the fight that he wants to take."

Hearn suggested Usyk wanted to avoid the strictures of sanctioning body mandates — 28-day negotiation periods, purse bid procedures, and ordered opponents like Agit Kabayel. The 37-year-old heavyweight reportedly drew criticism after his May kickboxing match with Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, which ended in a controversial stoppage. Verhoeven had called for a rematch, but Usyk's team is said to have settled on Wilder instead.

A bout with the former WBC champion gives Usyk a marquee name for his final record, even if Wilder no longer poses the threat he once did. Financial terms have not been disclosed. No date or venue has been announced.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Eddie Hearn leaks the opponent for Oleksandr Usyk’s ‘last dance’