Oleksandr Usyk is chasing big paydays and big names, and he doesn’t care what you or anyone else thinks about his choices.
The greatest heavyweight of the current generation and one of the best fighters on the planet has vacated all of his championship belts, and he’s looking for one last fight to end his storied career.
Let’s talk boxing.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) vacated the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles on June 26 — but retains The Ring (lineal) title.
- He’s announced one “last dance” before retiring, not a full retirement.
- Shortlist of two: Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones; Wilder preferred (adviser Sergey Lapin to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger).
- Target: late 2026 or early 2027, in the United States.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the fight to be Wilder.
Who Does Oleksandr Usyk Want For His Final Fight?
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn leaked Usyk’s intentions on Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Hearn was in town for the spectacular Jaron Ennis vs. Xander Zayas 154-pound title fight, and he told DAZN’s Chris Mannix that Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder.
But that’s not it.
If Usyk can’t get Wilder, he is looking for another crossover scrap. Usyk just eeked out a victory over renowned kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May, and now the Ukrainian superstar is said to be interested in a boxing match with UFC great — Jon Jones.
Chasing a fight with Wilder or Jones ignores fights with Agit Kabayel, who has been elevated to WBC champion with Usyk’s decision. It also dodges fights with up-and-comers like Moses Itauma.
Why Is Deontay Wilder The Frontrunner?
As Hearn said on Saturday, “Usyk has earned the right to do whatever he wants.” He has attained a level of greatness that few in the sport reach. Because of his status, he is allowed to aim only for the biggest fights with the highest paydays and in some instances, the least danger.
Wilder is the only elite heavyweight of Usyk’s time that he didn’t face. So it makes sense for him to want to close that gap. However, Wilder isn’t the same guy he was when he reigned as the WBC heavyweight champion from 2015-19.
He’s lost four times with three of those losses coming by TKO. Wilder won a split decision over Derek Chisora in April, but he looked less than stellar in the process.
Could Usyk vs. Jon Jones Actually Happen?
This one is highly unlikely for a multitude of reasons. Jones, while retired, is still under contract with the UFC. Dana White and Co. have repeatedly shut down their fighters participating in boxing matches while under contract with the exception of Conor McGregor’s clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
Also, Jones’ best combat sports skill is not his boxing. In fact, it’s the weakest aspect of his game. There’s almost no chance he’d put himself in a position to be pummeled by Usyk.
Jones doesn’t need to chase this kind of thing like Verhoeven. He won’t put himself in a compromising position.
What’s Next For Usyk And The Heavyweight Division?
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will clash at least once and it will be arguably the biggest fight of the year. Both both of them are long in the tooth.
The heavyweight division is ready for fresh stars. Itauma and Kabayel could be next. Further down the road, the hugely talented Leo Atang could step into superstardom.
As for Usyk, he may get the itch down the road, but he is seemingly secure with his decision to walk away after one more low-risk, high-reward fight.