Usyk’s Targeted Return Date Revealed
Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, has confirmed a fight with Deontay Wilder is now “very likely.”
The news comes after Usyk parted ways with Riyadh Season, with reports he is looking to work with an American promoter. The potential Wilder bout would mark Usyk’s first fight in the United States since his heavyweight debut in 2019 where he beat Chazz Witherspoon in a seventh-round stoppage.
According to Usyk’s team, the goal is to finalize a new multi-fight deal before officially signing the contract for the Wilder clash. If everything goes according to plan, fans can expect the Ukrainian to return to the ring in approximately four months. That could see Usyk fight twice in 2026, something he hasn’t done since 2018.
Klimas Reacts
“It’s very likely [that Usyk fights Wilder] because right now we’re working on it, and we’re working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr. As soon as we’re ready to confirm that, we’re going to jump in. And some talks already are going on with the team of Wilder.
“We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and dates are the end of April, beginning of May. Wilder is one of the best names [that] Oleksandr didn’t face yet. He’s still in good shape, and he’s still a fighter, so he’s interesting. And as well, it’s the United States,” Klimas said
Why Wilder?
Critics of Usyk often point to the relatively low volume of fights on his heavyweight resume compared to his run at cruiserweight. To be considered the GOAT of this era, Usyk needs to have victories over all the “Big Three.” Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder. Defeating Wilder would mean Usyk has “cleared out” every major threat.
At 40 years old, Wilder is no longer in his prime, having lost four of his last six fights. However, he remains the “ultimate equalizer” due to his one-punch knockout power. For Usyk, this is a high-reward, manageable-risk fight. The fight offers a win over a former long-reigning WBC champion and a massive payday. While Wilder only needs one shot, Usyk has spent his career dismantling fighters with his boxing IQ.
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