Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has weighed in on the highly anticipated potential clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder.
Following Usyk’s recent decision to vacate the WBC, IBF, and WBA titles, the Ukrainian standout confirmed that he intends to compete in one final bout before retiring from a distinguished career.
Negotiations to face former WBC champion Deontay Wilder have resumed after a period of inactivity. Usyk’s representatives have expressed a desire for a high-profile U.S. headline event for his farewell fight, making Wilder—one of the era’s most prominent heavyweights—an ideal opponent. Wilder’s team has confirmed their willingness to accept the challenge.
In a video captured by ES News, Briggs offered strategic advice to “The Bronze Bomber,” expressing confidence that the American possesses the power to defeat the undefeated Usyk.
“He’s gonna fight Usyk and I’m rooting for him. He deserves the fight because he’s fought so many fights and defended his title so many times.”
“I want you to win that fight. You are going to do your thing. I know you are going to pull it off, too, with that right hand you got. Listen champ, just line him up, line him up. Hit them on top of the head.”
“He’s gonna come like this [in the southpaw stance] and he don’t leave much [open]. But, with that right hand you got, right down the middle… You’re gonna do it.”
Wilder enters these discussions coming off a points victory over Derek Chisora in Manchester. While a rematch was previously considered, the potential Usyk bout has now become the primary focus. As behind-the-scenes talks continue, an announcement may be imminent, though Usyk is also reportedly entertaining a crossover challenge against former UFC champion Jon Jones.