Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight champion, is negotiating a possible farewell bout with Deontay Wilder through Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in the United States.
The Ukrainian fighter recently relinquished his WBA Super, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, yet emphasized that he has not retired and is seeking one final showdown.
At 39, Usyk boasts an unbeaten record of 25 professional bouts and is often cited among the sport’s all-time greats; Wilder, aged 40, remains a former titleholder though his prime years have faded.
“Usyk has indicated that he envisions Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his final fight,” said Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s team director, in an interview with BBC Sport.
“Such a matchup carries considerable promise from sporting, media, and global viewpoints.”
Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, told BBC Sport that Deontay would accept a bout with Usyk if one were offered.
The fight could be promoted by Zuffa Boxing, potentially marking Usyk’s collaboration with the new venture for the concluding chapter of his career.
Zuffa Boxing, led by UFC president Dana White and financed by Saudi Arabian backing, aims to disrupt boxing’s traditional promotional framework by crowning its own champions instead of depending on established sanctioning bodies.
“We are engaged in high‑level talks with Zuffa Boxing, although no agreements have been finalized yet,” Lapin added.
“Zuffa Boxing is being eyed as a possible partner for a major international event.”
“The final arrangement will be shaped by what best serves the fight, the athletes, and the overall scope of the project.”
