Oleksandr Usyk is targeted to face Deontay Wilder in the United States in March as part of a planned retirement tour. Following an 11th-round stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven, Usyk’s defensive vulnerability has heightened the risk of facing Wilder’s knock-out power.
Reporting by Mike Coppinger on Inside The Ring indicates that the 39-year-old Ukrainian desires a final major bout on American soil. Wilder remains the most recognizable heavyweight candidate available. Yet Usyk’s recent victory over Rico Verhoeven reshaped expectations surrounding the potential matchup. The unified champion required an 11th-round stoppage to defeat a kickboxer competing in just his second professional boxing contest. At the time of the stoppage, Verhoeven led 96-94 on one official scorecard, while the remaining two judges scored the fight even at 95-95. Verhoeven created persistent difficulties through his physical size, patient approach, and relentless forward pressure.
Wilder presents a completely different technical challenge.
The American fighter relies on distance and deliberate hesitation before throwing his straight right hand down the center. In theory, Usyk should control most exchanges. His southpaw angles, rapid feints, and constant rhythm changes are built to counter hesitant opponents. Wilder struggled with long periods of inactivity against Joseph Parker, Zhilei Zhang, and Derek Chisora. Usyk can score points with light jabs, step out of range, and accumulate rounds while Wilder hesitates to let his hands go.
Still, the danger increases significantly if Usyk’s footwork begins to fade. Mobile heavyweights rarely decline at a steady pace. A slight reduction in foot speed would prevent Usyk from getting outside Wilder’s lead foot or escaping backwards safely. Moving straight back or circling into Wilder’s power hand puts him directly in harm’s way. While Usyk endured hard nights against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, and Verhoeven, Wilder possesses far greater single-punch power than any previous opponent.
Negotiations with Zuffa Boxing highlight Usyk’s push for a lucrative United States farewell. Wilder’s recent split-decision win over Chisora did not eliminate concerns over his reluctance to throw. But his name still commands major attention in the American market. Usyk has the profile opponent he wants, but his narrow escape against Verhoeven proves that taking on Wilder remains a dangerous final gamble.
