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Could Usyk truly shatter glass ceilings with Zuffa farewell?

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The end of the road is - finally - in sight for Oleksandr Usyk, and the final destination in one of boxing's all-time great careers.

A three-time undisputed kingpin over two divisions, the Ukrainian has dominated the heavyweight scene for nearly a decade.

Now, having vacated his remaining glamour division belts, the veteran prizefighter is poised for a "last dance" farewell bout.

Multiple contenders have been mooted, but right now, it seems as if a long-awaited clash with Deontay Wilder will be the one.


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Yet the subject of Usyk's final foe is not the only question about his next step, with talk Zuffa could bankroll his goodbye too.

If it proves to be the case, then might the star's megawatt clout help shatter one of the sport's biggest glass ceilings right now?

Could Usyk sign with Zuffa for finale?

The idea that Usyk - long promoted by Alex Krassyuk before a 2025 split - could team up with Zuffa may raise a few eyebrows.

But it shouldn't come as a surprise. The Ukrainian has a long working relationship with key figure His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.

Under the auspices of a bill put together by The Ring, Usyk was front and centre in Giza, Egypt, for his bout with Rico Verhoeven.

Turki Alalshikh_2023Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Zuffa's main issues thus far, arguably, have been a failure to secure or retain major titles and opportunities for their star fighters.

That, however, will not be an issue for Usyk, who has relinquished his belts and could land a major payday with the organisation.

Who else has signed with Zuffa so far?

Having started small, Zuffa and Dana White have begun to make some major waves across the past few months within the sport.

The arrival of Shakur Stevenson this week feels like their largest statement so far, adding a multi-weight champion to their roster.

Before that, there was also the cruiserweight duo of Jai Opetaia and Chris Billam-Smith, plus British welterweight star Conor Benn.

Richardson Hitchins and Edgar Berlanga are also among the leading contenders who have put pen to paper on a Zuffa contract.

But Usyk, even if for just one fight, would arguably trump all of those, in terms of attracting other leading prizefighters to sign up.

Why Wilder for finale opponent?

Having been pushed deep by kickboxer Verhoeven in May's crossover affair, there is an argument for Usyk to take a rematch there.

Deontay Wilder April 2026Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Truthfully though, Wilder effectively completes a clean sweep of vintage opponents that the Ukrainian has been chasing for a while.

'The Bronze Bomber' formed a key part of the last decade's heavyweight roster, alongside Usyk, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

The latter two have already been conquered - twice - as has current WBO champion, Daniel Dubois. Wilder is the last man standing.

Even with the latter well into his twilight, Usyk will know it is more than a commercial slam dunk. It is a chance to close his legacy too.

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