Oleksandr Usyk versus Deontay Wilder? Why heavyweight champion wants American star over Fabio Wardley

Oleksandr Usyk sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division last month when he stepped down from his WBO heavyweight championship title.

The Ukrainian brought an end to his second reign as undisputed kingpin in boxing's biggest glamour tier after Fabio Wardley's win over Joseph Parker.

Usyk had been widely tipped to face the Briton, his mandatory challenger, in his first bout of 2026 following a lone outing this year against Daniel Dubois.

Instead, the former cruiserweight champion relinquished the belt, with Wardley elevated to his vacant position and questions lingering over his future.

Now however, Usyk appears to have laid down his preferred plans for the new year - and it would pit the superstar against ex-champion Deontay Wilder.

'The Bronze Bomber' reigned as the WBC title holder for over five years between 2015 and 2020, when he lost his crown in a rematch with Tyson Fury.

Since then however, Wilder's stock has slipped, with a second loss to Fury, plus defeats to Parker and Zhilei Zhang seemingly ending his time at the top.

So, why does Usyk want to face the American in 2026? And why would the Ukrainian pass on the chance to defend all four belts against Wardley too?

What has Usyk said about facing Wilder?

Speaking to Boxing King Media on his future plans, Usyk revealed that Wilder was the opponent he wants to face next after conquering his other rivals.

“I want to definitely continue fighting next year," he said. "I will continue boxing. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. For me, I think it is very interesting.

"[Wilder] is a world champion guy, a very famous guy, this is a strong guy, and he is one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of the last 10 years.”

What has Usyk said about skipping Wardley?

Having forced a stoppage against Parker, Wardley was expected to get his shot - but in the same interview, Usyk explained why he passed on a bout.

"Listen, boxing is a sport and a business,” he added. “If Parker won, for me it would be an interesting fight. Wardley won, and it is not an interesting fight for me.

"I was not surprised by Wardley's performance. I've worked with him, and he's a good fighter and a great guy. I respect him. Maybe later, we can fight in a bigger fight.”

Why would Usyk want to face Wilder over Wardley?

Across a glittering career, Usyk has established himself firmly as one of the sport's pound-for-pound greats, conquering every test placed before him.

Though a handful of other fighters have enjoyed short reigns in the past decade, only four other men have exceeded single-year tenures as champions.

They are Wilder, Parker, Fury and Anthony Joshua - and with two-bout double victories over the latter pair, there is nothing for Usyk to prove against either.

Had Parker defeated Wardley in October to maintain his position as the WBO interim champion, Usyk appears to suggest he would have taken the bout.

But with the New Zealander slipping to defeat instead, it represents another closed avenue for the Ukrainian to pursue in terms of future opportunities.

At thirty-eight, Usyk will only fight a handful of times again, and will be determined to seek the biggest commercial paydays he can as a prizefighter.

With no disrespect to Wardley's skill, the Briton is just not the pull that he will want for a bumper contract - which steers him back towards Wilder instead.

'The Bronze Bomber' has not fought since defeating Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in June, and his stock arguably has not been lower for well over a decade.

Yet his name still carries weight in the sport, with strong brand recognition - and for the American, it would represent a dream route back to the top too.

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