Oleksandr Usyk targets Deontay Wilder for Zuffa Boxing farewell bout
Undefeated heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk is in negotiations with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing for a final career bout against former world champion Deontay Wilder in the United States.
The 39-year-old vacated his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles last week but immediately clarified his intention to secure one final lucrative fight before walking away.
Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, has confirmed that the Ukrainian specifically wants to face the American veteran in a farewell spectacle.
“Usyk has already stated that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his last dance,” Lapin told BBC Sport.
“It is a match-up with significant potential from a sporting, media and international perspective.”
New promotional frontier
The proposed matchup could serve as a flagship event for Zuffa Boxing, a newly formed promotional entity fronted by UFC president White.
Backed by Saudi Arabian investment, the venture aims to disrupt traditional boxing structures by sidestepping established sanctioning bodies and recognising its own champions.
“We are in direct discussions with Zuffa Boxing at the highest level, though no agreements have been signed at this stage,” Lapin added.
Shelly Finkel, who manages the 40-year-old American heavyweight, confirmed his client’s willingness to accept the challenge if a formal offer materialises.
“If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would take it,” Finkel told BBC Sport.
American soil preferred
Lapin indicated that staging the major international event in the United States remains the most logical option for all involved parties.
The two-time undisputed champion is seeking a conclusive finale after controversially stopping kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in May.
Rather than defend his WBC belt against interim titleholder Agit Kabayel, the undefeated southpaw opted to relinquish his remaining division crowns.
His prospective opponent secured a split-decision victory over Derek Chisora in April, marking the 45th win of a storied 50-fight professional career.
However, the once-feared knockout artist from Alabama has visibly declined in recent years, failing to recapture his peak form following a punishing trilogy against Tyson Fury.