A unified heavyweight title fight between former WBC champion Deontay Wilder and current ruler Oleksandr Usyk is coming up.
The potential battle gained steam last week when Usyk declared his desire to offer Wilder a shot at his belts.
Tyson Fury’s decision to focus on defending his WBC heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua or Mahmoud Charr meant Usyk was left out.
Therefore, the Ukrainian aims to put his money where his mouth is after Wilder takes on Robert Helenius in October.
Will Oleksandr Usyk fight Deontay Wilder?
Despite his knockout record, Usyk has no qualms about agreeing to fight the “Bronze Bomber.” And with the interest now reciprocated, a Pay Per View headliner is closer to reality.
Usyk is currently a promotional free agent. This scenario allows him to work with Premier Boxing Champions promoter Al Haymon and Bombzquad for a fight with Wilder, an easy feat for “Mr. I feel.”
Wilder expressed his thoughts on agreeing to a match with one of the best heavyweights on the planet: “That’s music to my ears.
“[Oleksandr] Usyk is a very honorable person. He is a man of his word. So I’m looking forward to him.
“If someone offers you a title shot, you should take it when the opportunity presents itself,” he added.
Boxing fans are already drooling at the prospect of Usyk trading blows with one of the most brutal boxers of all time.
Wilder’s one-punch knockout of Luis Ortiz remains legendary three years later. When he landed, the noise inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena was like a shotgun blast from three feet away.
When former foe Fury backs down from an undisputed championship fight, Wilder is willing to step in for “Gypsy King.”
Wilder can beat Usyk
Trainer Malik Scott believes his fighter is capable of dethroning Usyk.
“Trust me when I tell you this right now, Deontay is the only heavyweight in the world who could beat Oleksandr Usyk.
“Deontay is going to be a two-time champion, but this time he will collect all the belts.”
Usyk’s record of traveling the world and scoring victories is unprecedented. He would have no problem going to the famous Las Vegas Strip or even the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for a blockbuster pay-per-view.
January or February of next year seems like the perfect window for Usyk vs. Wilder to take place on FOX instead of Showtime.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, will not be happy that Wilder has no interest in the London star now that the straps are no longer in his possession.
Finishing off Joshua’s revenge attempt last month in Saudi Arabia, Usyk is in the shape of his life. He is also the Libra king for Libra.
Helenius is October 15
The Best of Tuscaloosa focuses on Robert Helenius next month, first and foremost. With Usyk preferred to Joshua or Andy Ruiz Jr. for 2023.
Usyk is open to putting his WBA, WBO and IBF titles on the line. However, when asked who he would rather face, Wilder was second only to his
Wilder, I suppose. [But I prefer] Rage [for the WBC title]. I don’t take the easy road.”
In addition to Ortiz’s KO, Wilder has wins over Bermane Stiverne [twice]Gerald Washington, Chris Arreola and Frenchman Johann Duhaupas.
However, the Alabama slammer needs a win, following Fury’s losses. Wilder has to end a drought that dates back to that supersonic crush of the Cuban.
If he does, boxing can look forward to a captivating clash of two superstars for the heavyweight crown.
Outside of an undisputed battle, Usyk vs. Wilder is the biggest heavyweight fight in the sport.
WBN editor Phil Jay has over ten years of boxing news experience. He follows WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews, Instagram and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
