Wilder insists Usyk fight 'will happen' to complete career goal

Deontay Wilder says a fight with Oleksandr Usyk remains essential to his boxing legacy. The former heavyweight champion believes the bout can still be made despite recent setbacks in his own career.

“He's one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish. It can happen and it will happen. As long as I have the confidence to do what I have to do, it will happen. I must accomplish what I set forth in the beginning of my career.”

— Deontay Wilder, via Sky Sports

What Deontay Wilder said

Wilder has not fought since his knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang last June. Usyk holds the unified heavyweight titles and recently defeated Tyson Fury in their December rematch. A clash between the two has been mooted for years but has never materialised, with Wilder's losses to Fury and Joseph Parker complicating any potential deal.

What it moves

Wilder's insistence suggests he views the Usyk matchup as unfinished business rather than a long shot. Usyk's team has not publicly responded to the callout. Whether promoters pursue the fight depends on Wilder's next performance and Usyk's mandatory obligations in 2025.

Source: skysports.com. Full Deontay Wilder fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.