Usyk Doubles Down On Wilder Farewell Fight

Oleksandr Usyk wants one more fight, and he keeps coming back to the same name.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion reiterated his desire to face Deontay Wilder before retiring, framing the American with a respect that doubles as motivation.

"Listen, this is a man who, over the last ten years has been a top fighter and world champion. He's a dangerous guy,” Usyk

Usyk relinquished his heavyweight belts after stopping Rico Verhoeven in May and has been clear since then that what he wants for a farewell is a fight that means something — a genuinely dangerous opponent, not a victory lap. Wilder, whose right hand remains one of the most destructive weapons the division has ever seen, qualifies on that basis regardless of where his career sits relative to its peak.

Discussions over a Usyk-Wilder fight reportedly took place in late 2025 before collapsing without a signed contract. Both men went elsewhere — Usyk moved for Verhoeven over mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley, while Wilder took on Derek Chisora.

Usyk at 39 is working with a closing window. Wilder at 40 is navigating the final chapter of a career that has been defined by extraordinary power and several defining moments alongside some significant setbacks. Whether their respective promotional and broadcast situations can align.

What remains unclear is whether the business around both fighters allows it to happen before Usyk's retirement window closes entirely.