Oleksandr Usyk’s team has confirmed direct talks with Zuffa Boxing for a potential farewell fight against Deontay Wilder. The 39-year-old, who recently vacated his WBC, WBA and WBO titles, has identified the former champion as the target for his final professional contest.
After a decorated career that includes two victories each over Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) is seeking a final high-profile opponent. Wilder remains one of the few top heavyweights of the era whom he has never faced. Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, confirmed the active negotiations. “We are in direct discussions with Zuffa Boxing at the highest level. At this stage, no agreements have been signed,” Lapin stated. The involvement of Zuffa Boxing, a newer entrant into the sport’s promotional space, would mark a significant step for the company if a deal is reached.
Securing the bout requires aligning several complex commercial elements. Lapin noted the scale of the potential event. “Zuffa Boxing is considered as one of the potential partners for a major international event. The final structure will be determined based on what is in the best interests of the fight, the fighters, and the overall scale of the project.” Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, has already indicated his fighter is prepared to accept, stating, “If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would take it.”
Logistically, the fight appears destined for the United States. “The most logical setting would be somewhere in America. There is considerable interest surrounding this possibility at the moment, but no concrete agreements have been reached,” said Lapin. He stressed the importance of the infrastructure surrounding the contest, confirming the discussions are about more than just the fighters themselves. “A fight of this level requires more than just the right names. It also requires the right partner, the right venue, the right broadcast platform, and an event of the appropriate scale.”
