Unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as his “first choice” for his subsequent struggle.
The Ukrainian turned a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion when he beat Brit Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July, with loads of hypothesis over who will problem him subsequent.
“I proceed combating subsequent yr. I need to struggle Deontay Wilder. I feel it’s attention-grabbing,” Usyk instructed Boxing King Media.
Wilder, beforehand WBC world champion and one among heavyweight boxing’s most feared, has struggled since shedding his trilogy struggle with Tyson Fury.
The American has since suffered back-to-back stoppage defeats to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang in 2024, taking a yr out earlier than returning with a seventh-round win in opposition to little-known Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.
However regardless of his standing slipping, Usyk nonetheless sees the Bronze Bomber as a marquee title for his subsequent bout.
“He’s a world champion man. A really well-known and robust man,” Usyk added.
“One of many nice heavyweights of the final 10 years. I spoke with my group and stated he’s the primary choice.”
Usyk has vacated his WBO title moderately than face necessary challenger Fabio Wardley, who now holds the belt. A voluntary defence in opposition to Wilder continues to be potential if a deal is struck shortly, however a number of different contenders are already tied up.
The WBC interim scene heats up on 10 January when Agit Kabayel faces Damian Knyba in a key heavyweight conflict.
The IBF has ordered Richard Torrez Jr to struggle Frank Sanchez in a last eliminator, with the winner transferring one step nearer to a world title shot.
The WBA “common” belt may also be on the road on 12 December, with Kubrat Pulev set to face Murat Gassiev.
Usyk, who has crushed Fury, Dubois and Anthony Joshua, plans to struggle for simply two extra years, focusing on the tip of his profession in 2026. The Olympic gold medallist made historical past by turning into the primary undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.