Deontay Wilder gives encouraging update on Oleksandr Usyk fight

Deontay Wilder has confirmed that talks are underway for a fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. 

Attending the WBC convention earlier this month, Usyk confirmed that he intends to fight next year and then singled out Wilder as the man he wants to face next. 

Wilder, earlier this year, ended a 12-month absence from the ring when he beat Tyrrell Anthony Herndon by knockout in the seventh round. 

Wilder 'excited' for future fight with Usyk

An Usyk-Wilder fight is an intriguing contest with Usyk, a man known for his slick footwork, going up against one of boxing's most fearsome punchers in Wilder. 

Following his loss to Zhieli Zhang in June 2024, many thought Wilder would retire after a career that had seen him enjoy a reign as WBC heavyweight champion. 

Instead, Wilder appeared revitalised, speaking in an interview with talkSPORT and glowing with excitement when confirming that negotiations for the Usyk fight had begun. 

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"Yeah, it’s becoming a real conversation," Wilder said.

"We’re in talks for that fight, I’m excited, I’m looking forward to it once I get the final say in how things are, the finer details.

"You just don’t talk boxing business when it’s premature; nothing is in order at this moment in time."

Wilder vs. Usyk date and venue yet to be confirmed

While talks are underway for this heavyweight contest, there is still no news on when or where the fight will take place. 

Usyk's recent bouts have taken place in the UK or Saudi Arabia, but perhaps a date with Wilder could be what's needed to bring the unified heavyweight champion to America in what would be a big moment for boxing in the US. 

When pressed for any finer details for the Usyk fight, Wilder was not going to get fans' hopes up until the necessary contracts are signed. 

"I don’t want to announce anything that’s still lingering around," Wilder continued.

"One of the things you don’t want to do is false advertise something, get the hopes up, get people’s hearts and blood boiling and pumping like mine."  

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