Dominant heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk has called-out former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in a surprising turn of events.
Wilder has been handed a world heavyweight title lifeline by Usyk, after losing four of his last six fights.
Oleksandr Usyk Calls Out Deontay Wilder For Next Fight
Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and former undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk has officially called-out Deontay Wilder.
The Ukrainian was last seen knocking out Daniel Dubois in five rounds in July, and has highlighted in a recent interview who exactly he wants to face next.
The 38-year-old recently relinquished his WBO World Heavyweight Title, which now belongs to Fabio Wardley after his sensational upset win over Joseph Parker in October.
‘The Cat’ has been called-out himself by numerous heavyweights of late, including up-and-coming Brit Moses Itauma, Joseph Parker and Wardley to name but a few.
Usyk responded to Itauma’s call-out during the summer stating that he welcomed a fight with the 20-year-old British prospect in the future, but now looks like he has his eyes firmly on a different target for his next bout.
It now looks like Usyk wants to face former long-reigning WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder next, despite the American heavyweight losing four of his last six fights and looking like a shadow of his former self.
This call-out has come as a huge surprise to boxing fans all around the world, who feel Wilder hasn’t done anything to deserve another shot at world honours.
‘The Bronze Bomber’ did get back to winning ways last time out against Tyrrell Herndon, but was brutally stopped by Zhilei Zhang before that and comprehensively outboxed by Joseph Parker back in December 2023 too.
Oleksandr Usyk announced he wants to fight Deontay Wilder next in 2026 👀😳
(via @boxingkingmedia) pic.twitter.com/AEwqoV4KV4
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) December 1, 2025
Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder Likely For 2026 Heavyweight Showdown
Oleksandr Usyk’s net worth has risen to well over £45million thanks to his money-spinning fights with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois, but his hunger as the world’s leading heavyweight remains as strong as ever.
At 38-years-old, many boxing fans feel Usyk should sail off into the sunset and retire as an all-time great. However, the Ukrainian has shown no signs of slowing down, insisting that he still has a few fights left before hanging up his gloves.
It now looks like one of those fights could be against former long-reigning heavyweight king Deontay Wilder, who Usyk officially called-out in a recent interview with Boxing King Media.
Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder next 👀
Do you want to see it happen? 🥊 pic.twitter.com/021s4DkivJ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 1, 2025
Usyk is said to be recovering from a minor back injury, but has confirmed he will return to the ring in 2026 to defend his unified world heavyweight titles.
It now looks very much like Wilder will be Usyk’s opponent for his return next year, despite several other heavyweights such as Agit Kabayel and Fabio Wardley more deserving of their shot at the heavyweight king.
Usyk Team Director @LapinSerhii explains decision to pursue a legacy fight with @BronzeBomber
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“Wilder is a huge name to have on Usyk’s record. He’s one of the most dangerous punchers of his generation, a former world champion, and a fighter known across the entire boxing… pic.twitter.com/NEDNxolGgG— Boxing King Media (@boxingkingmedia) December 2, 2025
Both Usyk and his team feel a fight with Wilder would massively enhance the Ukrainian’s already highly impressive 24-0 resume, insisting that a win over someone of Wilder’s calibre would further add to Usyk’s ever-growing legacy.
It looks like boxing fans are going to see Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder at some stage in 2026.
