Oleksandr Usyk has doubled down on Deontay Wilder as the opponent he's seeking for his last dance.
The Ring's heavyweight champion vacated his IBF, WBA and WBC titles in June so that he wouldn't create a logjam in the division while navigating what he says is the final fight of his career.
Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) intends to fight in the United States, so, appropriately, he's eyeing an encounter with the "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder, the most accomplished American heavyweight of his era.
"Listen, [Wilder], this is a man who over the last 10 years has been a top fighter and world champion. He's a dangerous guy," Usyk told All Out Fighting.
Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs), a former long-reigning WBC titleholder, turns 41 in October and his best days are clearly behind him. The hard-hitting Alabama native is 3-4 this decade and is coming off a sloppy slugfest, where he won a split decision victory over friend Derek Chisora in April.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RFJOxMbWP4
After completing a taxing trilogy against Tyson Fury in 2020, Wilder has stopped overmatched opposition in Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Herndon, but suffered losses against Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker.
Usyk beat Chisora in 2020 in just his second heavyweight fight before conquering Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois twice each. The 39-year-old Ukrainian's last fight in May, however, was tumultuous as he saved face by securing a come-from-behind, 11th-round stoppage win against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.
The Ukrainian understands that beating a wilted Wilder won't add much to his legacy, but the future first-ballot Hall of Famer is marching to the beat of his own drum.
"I'm not boxing for glory. For me, it's just my life," he said.
When asked if he still considers himself the world's top heavyweight, he said: "Maybe, I don't know. For me I'm the underdog every time. I feel good, it's a good time. We continue training, continue boxing and develop my career."
While Usyk prepares for the final ring walk of his career, another fight featuring his greatest rivals – Joshua vs. Fury – is inching closer to becoming a reality.
To the surprise of no one, Usyk is siding with his former foe-turned-teammate to secure a win in a battle between former heavyweight champions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXjMO8twr5k&t=1s
"[Joshua] knocks him out in six rounds," he said. "AJ right hand."
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.
