Deontay Wilder would welcome fight against Oleksandr Usyk, says co-manager
Oleksandr Usyk remains undefeated but has chosen to vacate his heavyweight world titles; Deontay Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel tells Sky Sports: "If the terms were right, Deontay would welcome the opportunity to fight Usyk"
Friday 3 July 2026 21:11, UK
Deontay Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel has confirmed that the American former world heavyweight champion would welcome a fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk is reportedly targeting a fight with Wilder after vacating his WBC, IBF and WBA belts to free him from his mandatory title commitments.
Finkel told Sky Sports: "If the terms were right, Deontay would welcome the opportunity to fight Usyk.
"Usyk is a great champion and it would be an honour to fight him."
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Previously Deontay Wilder told Sky Sports why he wanted to fight Usyk: "He's one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.
"It can happen and it will happen. As long as I have the confidence to do what I have to do, it will happen.
"I must accomplish what I set forth in the beginning of my career."
Usyk's final world title fight was against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. Although Usyk's late stoppage victory has prompted much debate a potential rematch with Verhoeven is considered unlikely.
His team also all but ruled out a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury before the end of his career.
Sergey Lapin, the CEO of Usyk's promotional company Ready To Fight, told Sky Sports: "I don't really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring.
Usyk-Wilder would most likely be held in America, though Usyk does still harbour a dream of boxing one last time in his Ukrainian homeland. That has been impossible for the former Olympic and undisputed champion since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine.
"Saudi Arabia and the United States are both outstanding venues for major events. But if we're talking about a dream, it would undoubtedly be Ukraine," Lapin said.
