Oleksandr Usyk Calls Out Scary KO Artist Deontay Wilder for 2026 Fight

Oleksandr Usyk expresses interest in fighting former WBC champion Deontay Wilder for his next fight after vacating the WBO belt.

Oleksandr Usyk Calls Out Scary KO Artist Deontay Wilder for 2026 Fight

Oleksandr Usyk calls out Deontay Wilder (via BBC, Instagram)

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Oleksandr Usyk continues to map out his next steps in the heavyweight division. The unified champion maintains momentum after recent victories and ongoing activity at the elite level. As part of his forward plans, he has identified a preferred opponent for 2026. Usyk has expressed his wish to face former WBC champion and knockout artist Deontay Wilder.

Usyk remains undefeated in his professional career, continuing a run that has defined his rise through two weight divisions. His most recent bout took place in July 2025 at Wembley Stadium, where he faced Daniel Dubois. Usyk secured a decisive victory that restored his undisputed heavyweight status. That performance reinforced his dominance and maintained his momentum at the top of the division.

Following the Dubois fight, Usyk vacated the WBO heavyweight title as part of a strategic career decision. The move enabled Fabio Wardley to be elevated to full WBO champion. This adjustment allowed Usyk to streamline mandatory obligations while exploring bigger fights. That shift has aligned with his growing interest in targeting Wilder next.

I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting. This is a world champion guy, this is a very famous guy, this is a strong guy. He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.

Oleksandr Usyk via Boxing King media

On the other hand, Wilder’s camp has also shown openness to such a matchup. Co-manager Shelly Finkel outlined ambitions for a major 2026 schedule for the American heavyweight. His team remains focused on securing meaningful opportunities for a resurgence. A strong financial and competitive offer could bring them to the negotiating table with Usyk.

Wilder returned to the win column with a stoppage of Tyrell Anton Herndon in June 2025. However, his two outings before that ended in defeat, including a knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang. Before that setback, he dropped a unanimous decision to Joseph Parker in a notable heavyweight clash. These results have shaped his current trajectory in the division.

Looking ahead, Wilder has also discussed interest in a crossover bout involving Francis Ngannou. That possibility remains separate from a potential meeting with Usyk, who is continuing to evaluate his next move. A clash between the two champions would significantly impact the landscape of 2026. For now, the division waits to see whether talks between their camps advance.

Oleksandr Usyk is unbothered after vacating the WBO belt

After his July 2025 win, Oleksandr Usyk was ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to defend his heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. Usyk requested a 90-day medical exemption citing injury, which the WBO granted. During that recovery window, a video surfaced showing Usyk dancing at a public event in Ukraine, prompting the WBO to demand updated medical proof and launch an inquiry.

Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk (via Ring Magazine)

Because of the delay, Parker was cleared to fight Fabio Wardley on October 25, 2025. Their bout was billed as an interim-title fight under WBO rules, with the stipulation that the winner would become the full champion if Usyk failed to meet his mandatory defence obligations. However, after vacating the WBO belt, the Ukrainian champion recently revealed that he has no tension about winning it back.

The green belt is always my favorite. I should have four belts, some people are saying I’m not undisputed champion anymore. Well, that is only temporary.

Oleksandr Usyk via Ring Magazine

Usyk’s relaxed stance about reclaiming the WBO title shifts the focus toward broader legacy goals rather than belt-by-belt politics. His decision to vacate may fast-track new contenders while freeing him to chase higher-stakes opportunities.

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