Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as his “first option” for his next fight, scheduled for 2026.
Usyk, 38, is coming off a victory over Daniel Dubois in July, which made him a two-time undisputed champion. He subsequently vacated his WBO belt.
Despite Wilder’s recent setbacks—including stoppage losses in 2023 and 2024—Usyk still views the 40-year-old former WBC champion as a “marquee name.”
“I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” Usyk stated, calling him “one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.” Usyk plans to fight for only two more years.
