Instead of a Fury trilogy or a rematch with Verhoeven, Oleksandr Usyk is now moving closer to a farewell fight against Deontay Wilder.
Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his world titles and is apparently preparing for the final fight of his career. As The Ring reports, the undefeated Ukrainian is in advanced negotiations for a bout with Deontay Wilder.
Usyk had recently surprised the boxing world when he relinquished his IBF, WBA, and WBC belts and announced at the same time that he intended to step into the ring only one more time. Initially, various options were discussed—including a third fight against Tyson Fury, another attempt at undisputed status, or a rematch against Rico Verhoeven following the controversial stoppage in Egypt.
However, there are now many indications that Usyk wants to celebrate his farewell in the U.S. MMA star Jon Jones and Deontay Wilder have recently been mentioned as possible opponents. According to the latest reports, however, Wilder is said to be the clear favorite.
The former WBC world champion from Alabama continues to command a huge following thanks to his tremendous punching power. Wilder most recently won a close decision against Derek Chisora and could provide Usyk with exactly the big U.S. stage that the Ukrainian has largely lacked so far in his extraordinary career.
For Usyk, it would be the final chapter of an impressive career. The two-time undisputed champion apparently wants to go out with a bang—and risk it all one last time against one of the most feared punchers in heavyweight history.
Text by Robin Josten