Oleksandr Usyk is serious: The heavyweight champion is actually negotiating a fight against Deontay Wilder.
What initially sounded like a bold idea is developing into a real blockbuster project: Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder are in concrete negotiations about a heavyweight clash. Wilder has now confirmed this himself. “The fight is in negotiations. These are real talks, not talk,” said the 40-year-old American. “My heart is beating with joy – I really believe it’s going to happen.”
Usyk, unbeaten and reigning Ring Magazine, WBA, WBC and IBF champion, is looking for new challenges. After victories over Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, Wilder is considered one of the last big names of his era. “I want to keep boxing. And I want to fight Deontay Wilder,” explained Usyk recently. “He’s strong, famous and one of the best heavyweights of the last ten years.”
In sporting terms, two extremes meet: Usyk’s movement, precision and ring intelligence against Wilder’s notorious punching power. Although Wilder has only won two of his last six fights, he bounced back in the summer with a knockout victory.
Madison Square Garden – Usyk’s favorite stage in the USA – is a possible venue. Wilder is aware of the imponderables of the business, but remains optimistic: “I know how quickly everything can change. But this thing feels solid. It’s going to be a hell of a fight.”
Text by Robin Josten