Usyk Targets Wilder For 2027 Fight

Oleksandr Usyk is eyeing a March 2027 fight against Deontay Wilder in the United States, his advisor Serhii Lapin has confirmed.

The matchup would complete Usyk's sweep of the three heavyweight names that defined the division before his rise, having already beaten Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice each. But a Wilder fight in 2027 carries far less weight than it would have during Wilder's WBC title reign, with losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang since exposing how much he relies on a single right hand rather than sustained output.

Against Usyk's angles and feints, Wilder would likely need to force openings rather than wait for one — a tall order given his tendency to hold back until a clean shot presents itself. Usyk, who would be 40 by the proposed date, may offer more room if his movement has slowed, but capitalizing on that would still require Wilder to recognize and act on it quickly.

Lapin has mentioned Zuffa as a possible partner for the event, though no deal has been finalized, and a U.S. venue doesn't rule out Saudi backing. Whoever finances it, the appeal will hinge on convincing fans the fight is still competitive — not just nostalgic.