Oleksandr Usyk Targeting Deontay Wilder and Jon Jones for His 26th and Final Pro Fight

Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk vacates all championship belts and is in search for an opponent for his retirement fight.

Oleksandr Usyk Targeting Deontay Wilder and Jon Jones for His 26th and Final Pro Fight

Oleksandr Usyk weighs in on potential retirement fight (via Boxing Scene, talkSport)

Oleksandr Usyk has established himself among boxing’s greatest heavyweight champions with an undefeated professional career. Many elite opponents have struggled against the Ukrainian star’s technical brilliance inside the ring. Now 39, Usyk has relinquished his world titles and is deciding his final fight, with UFC legend Jon Jones and knockout artist Deontay Wilder emerging as leading options.

Usyk won every major world title across the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions during his illustrious boxing career. He became the undisputed cruiserweight champion by defeating Murat Gassiev in 2018. The Ukrainian later unified the heavyweight division against Anthony Joshua. He became the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury in 2024, cementing his remarkable legacy.

Usyk vacated the WBO heavyweight title in November 2025 rather than making a mandatory defense against Fabio Wardley to pursue legacy-defining fights. He recently announced he would also relinquish his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles. Longtime advisor Sergey Lapin later revealed that the former champion hopes to finish his career with a superfight against Jon Jones or Deontay Wilder.

I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available so the guys who are next in line can fight for them. Friends, I’m leaving the belts, but I’m not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance. I want to thank everyone. I have a great respect for all organizations. I want to thank everyone and say there’s more to come!

Oleksandr Usyk via Instagram

Jones last competed professionally at UFC 309 in November 2024, defeating Stipe Miocic to successfully defend the UFC heavyweight title. He has remained out of competition since that victory. ‘Bones’ vacated the championship in 2025 and recently confirmed his retirement following a public dispute with the UFC.

On the other hand, Wilder recently earned a split decision victory over Derek Chisora in April 2026, strengthening his case for another marquee fight. Usyk has identified Wilder as an exciting final opponent. He also considers ‘The Bronze Bomber’ one of boxing’s greatest heavyweights in recent years.

However, many expected Usyk to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in a rematch after their first meeting at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The fight ended in controversy following referee Mark Lyson‘s stoppage. Many believed Verhoeven was comfortably ahead before the contest was ultimately waved off.

Another name linked to Usyk is Agit Kabayel, who entered the ring after Usyk’s victory over Verhoeven. Ring Magazine CEO Rick Reeno quickly presented Kabayel as Usyk’s challenger. However, Kabayel later reacted to being promoted to WBC heavyweight champion and wished ‘The Cat’ the best for his future.

Oleksandr Usyk remains one of boxing’s most successful stars, with an estimated net worth of $165 million from purses and endorsements. A crossover fight against Jon Jones or a retirement bout with Deontay Wilder could provide a fitting end. Either matchup would cap one of this era’s most illustrious careers.

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Team Oleksandr Usyk shuts down chances for a potential Tyson Fury trilogy

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury first met in May 2024 with the undisputed heavyweight championship on the line. Usyk earned a split decision victory after scoring a pivotal ninth-round knockdown. The win made the Ukrainian star boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

The rivals met again in December 2024, with Usyk defending his unified heavyweight titles against Fury in Riyadh. Usyk secured a unanimous decision victory, improving his professional record while extending his dominance over Fury. The second win cemented Usyk’s place among boxing’s greatest champions.

Tyson Fury's last boxing outing against Oleksandr Usyk
Tyson Fury’s last boxing outing against Oleksandr Usyk (Image via Forbes)

In recent months, Fury has openly discussed pursuing a trilogy fight against Usyk. The British heavyweight has maintained he deserved victory in their first meeting. ‘The Gypsy King’ has repeatedly argued that the split-decision result was unjust while pushing for a third bout for years.

Sergey Lapin is Usyk’s longtime childhood friend, head of his team, CEO of Ready to Fight, and his primary advisor. He also oversees Usyk’s fight strategy, contract negotiations, and career planning. When asked about a trilogy with Fury, Lapin dismissed the possibility, ruling it out as Usyk’s retirement fight.

I don’t really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring. I believe that chapter is closed, and today that fight no longer carries the same level of interest.

Sergey Lapin via Sky Sports

Tyson Fury remains determined to avenge his two defeats against Oleksandr Usyk and complete a long-discussed trilogy. However, Usyk’s recent plans for one final career fight appear to have effectively ended any realistic chance of a third meeting between the heavyweight rivals.

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