Three Fights Deontay Wilder Should Take Next

Deontay Wilder has spent the last year navigating a complicated landscape. The former WBC heavyweight champion still carries the most dangerous right hand in boxing, but consecutive losses to Tyson Fury and a subsequent defeat to Joseph Parker have forced a recalibration. At 38, Wilder does not have time for warm-up bouts. He needs meaningful fights that either put him back in title contention or offer strategic value. Here are three matchups worth considering, ranked by priority.

1. Jai Opetaia (Cruiserweight, IBF Champion)
This one has genuine buzz. Opetaia recently entered camp for a potential clash with Wilder, and sources indicate the Australian would accept a catchweight arrangement in the 210-215 pound range. The appeal is obvious: Opetaia is undefeated, holds a belt, and represents a chess-match challenge rather than a slugfest Wilder could lose. Stylistically, Opetaia is a sharp boxer with lateral movement—exactly the type of fighter Wilder has struggled with. But the size differential matters. Wilder would carry a significant weight and reach advantage, and one clean right hand could erase Opetaia's technical edge. If Wilder wins, he gets a belt and a credibility boost. If he loses to a cruiserweight, his heavyweight relevance evaporates. High risk, high reward.

2. Murat Gassiev (Heavyweight, Former Cruiserweight Unified Champion)
Gassiev brings pedigree. The Russian unified cruiserweight titles in 2018 before moving up, and recent reports suggest he is in talks with Wilder's team for a potential WBA bridgerweight title fight. Gassiev is a concussive puncher with a come-forward style—the kind of opponent who gives Wilder clean looks and does not require him to chase. The narrative hook is simple: two former world champions, both known for power, meeting in a division that straddles cruiser and heavyweight. Wilder would be the A-side, but Gassiev has the credibility to make it a legitimate test. This fight offers less risk than Opetaia and keeps Wilder active without forcing him into the deep end of the heavyweight pool.

3. Oleksandr Usyk (Heavyweight, Undisputed Champion)
Usyk has publicly mentioned targeting Wilder for 2027, and while that timeline feels distant, the fight would be massive. Usyk represents everything Wilder has avoided: elite footwork, ring IQ, and the ability to neutralize power with movement. Wilder would enter as a live underdog, but the payday would be enormous, and a win would rewrite his legacy. The problem is timing. Usyk will likely face Fury or another top contender first, and Wilder cannot afford to wait a year without fighting. This is the long-term play—if Wilder takes care of business against Opetaia or Gassiev first, a Usyk showdown becomes the logical capstone.

Wilder still has options, but the clock is ticking. The Opetaia fight offers the cleanest path to relevance. Gassiev provides a safer bounce-back with upside. Usyk is the dream scenario if Wilder can earn his way back. The next move will define whether the Bronze Bomber gets one more title run or fades into exhibition territory.