Wait for Oleksandr Usyk dance goes on as WBC president opens up on Deontay Wilder pursuit

Oleksandr Usyk is yet to confirm details of his voluntary defence against Deontay Wilder, says WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman.

The Ukrainian vacated his WBO heavyweight crown in order to avoid a mandatory challenge with Fabio Wardley late last year.

That move opened the door for the star, a two-time undisputed champion in the glamour division, to pursue a bout with Wilder.

Usyk opened up on his decision to aim for the 'Bronze Bomber' earlier this month, suggesting it was driven by "sporting interest".

But now Sulaiman has revealed there has been no news for the governing body, though they are hopeful the fight will be made.

"Absolutely, we are hoping to see him back in the ring," he told Sky Sports News. "He requested to make a voluntary defence

"[This] was granted and we're waiting for the details of his upcoming fight. Deontay Wilder was champion for five years of the WBC.

"He is a tremendous force [... ] he is ranked by the WBC. He is eligible and welcome to fight Usyk in a voluntary title defence."

Waiting game goes on for Usyk details

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

There will not be too many raised eyebrows by the delay from Oleksandr Usyk to get this latest mega-fight over the line and done.

The Ukrainian and his team are meticulous when meting out details of their contracts, and will want to ensure a maximum payday.

Despite the star's desire to pursue Deontay Wilder as the last piece of a generational GOAT puzzle, there will be some roadblocks.

Even in America on home soil, the 'Bronze Bomber' may not be quite the financial draw Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua still are.

Mauricio Sulaiman's latest input suggests that matters are close to a resolution, but not quite over the line yet too for both parties.

If Usyk wants to fight twice in 2026 after just a single bout last year however, the star will hope to have matters finalised soon.

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