Oleksandr Usyk could face Deontay Wilder for Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural heavyweight title in the final fight of his career.
Usyk relinquished his WBC, IBF and WBA belts in June after becoming a three-time undisputed champion across cruiserweight and heavyweight. The 39-year-old has since confirmed that he plans to compete only once more before retirement.
His adviser Sergey Lapin described Wilder as one of the most realistic options and confirmed that discussions with Zuffa Boxing have already taken place.
“Usyk vs Wilder is definitely one of the loudest and most realistic options right now,” Lapin said. “We have had conversations with Zuffa, but there is no agreement yet.”
Lapin added that Usyk would immediately give legitimacy to Zuffa’s new heavyweight championship, but stressed that the opponent, platform and financial package must all be suitable for his final appearance.
Wilder enters the discussion after defeating Derek Chisora by split decision in April. Turki Alalshikh is expected to receive the first opportunity to stage Usyk’s farewell fight before any agreement with Zuffa is completed.
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