Oleksandr Usyk decided to vacate the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title and thus sidestep a fight against Fabio Wardley, even if this decision meant losing his undisputed status. It was not the fight he was looking for next. He is the face of boxing, an all-time heavyweight and Wardley right now lacks the pedigree and popularity that interests him in his next opponent. “I want to fight Deontay Wilder. He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. He is my first choice,” said the Ukrainian. Of course, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ picked up the gauntlet. The fight, although for some fans it makes no sense, sounds attractive because of the disparity of styles. One is technical and has Ali-like mobility, and the other is a one-punch boxer, but has long arms and a sledgehammer in his right hand.
The fact is that Usyk has already beaten Joshua, Fury and Dubois. It makes sense that he is now targeting the American market and Jared Anderson, who could be another option, lost too much credit when he was knocked out by Martin Bakole. Wilder is by no means at his best, but he was champion for several years and his punching power is legendary. He only has one win to his name since 2023, against Herndon, an opponent who did not put up much resistance.
Yesterday ‘The Bronze Bomber’ confirmed that the fight against Usyk is on. The American fighter commented on it in an interview with IBA Boxing in Dubai, in the framework of the evening that headlines the Pulev vs Gassiev fight. “The sheer excitement it has generated among boxing fans has been amazing, and I have no doubt that this fight will happen, especially as at this moment in negotiation everything seems very promising,” said the Alabama native.
I need it mentally. Hopefully the negotiation goes as smoothly as it has so far, and everything is agreed fairly
Deontay added: “My heart is pounding right now just to get back there, this is something I need, this is something I’ve been waiting to get back mentally, because physically, nothing has ever happened to me physically, it was all mental. And now that I’m here and I have this opportunity, it’s a beautiful thing, so I’m looking forward to it. I hope the negotiation goes as smoothly as it has so far, and that everything is agreed fairly,” explained the Bomber.
The former champion insisted on this point: “I pray that things are fair. Usyk is a man of God and things like that, so I hope he takes that into account, that things are fair, with everything, and we have a great fight.” In other words, he wants a big purse and hopes his opponent will help him get it.
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