CAIRO, EGYPT – MAY 20: Oleksandr Usyk during the Glory In Giza Media Day ahead of his WBC heavyweight title fight against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday May 20, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
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Oleksandr Usyk is chasing big payouts and big names and he doesn’t care what you or anyone else thinks about his choices.
The greatest heavyweight of the current generation and one of the best fighters on the planet has vacated all the championship belts and is looking for one last fight to end his storied career.
Let’s talk boxing.
Key facts at a glance
- Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) emptied it WBCWBA and IBF heavyweight titles on June 26 — but retains The Ring (linear) title.
- He has announced a “last dance” before he retires, not a full retirement.
- Short list two: Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones. Wilder preferred (advisor Sergey Lapin to The Ring’s Mike Coppinger).
- Target: late 2026 or early 2027, in the United States.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the fight to be Wilder.
Who does Oleksandr Usyk want for the final match?
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn spilled Usyk’s intentions on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Hearn was in town for the spectacular Jaron Ennis vs. Xander Zayas 154-pound title fight and told DAZN’s Chris Mannix that Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder.
But that’s not it.
If Usyk can’t take Wilder, he’s looking for another crossover scrap. Usyk just picked up a win over famous kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May and now the Ukrainian superstar is said to be interested in a boxing match with UFC great Jon Jones.
Chasing a fight with Wilder or Jones ignores fights with Agit Kabayel, who has been crowned WBC champion by decision of Usyk. He also avoids battles with up-and-comers like Moses Itauma.
Why is Deontay Wilder the frontrunner?
As Hearn said Saturday, “Usyk has earned the right to do whatever he wants.” He has reached a level of greatness that few in the sport reach. Due to its nature, it is only allowed to target the biggest fights with the highest paydays and in some cases, the least risk.
Wilder is the only elite heavyweight of Usyk’s era that he hasn’t faced. So it makes sense that he wants to close that gap. However, Wilder is not the same guy he was when he reigned as WBC heavyweight champion from 2015-19.
He has lost four times with three of those defeats coming by TKO. Wilder won a split decision over Derek Chisora in April, but he didn’t look all that impressive in the process.
Could Usyk vs. Jon Jones actually happen?
This is highly unlikely for several reasons. Jones, while retired, is still under contract with the UFC. Dana White and Co. have repeatedly booked their fighters who participated in boxing matches while under contract, with the exception of Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
Also, Jones’ best skill in combat sports isn’t his boxing. In fact, it’s the weakest aspect of his game. There’s almost no chance he’ll put himself in a position to get hit by Usyk.
Jones doesn’t need to chase something like Verhoeven. He will not put himself in a compromising position.
What’s Next For Usyk And The Heavyweight Division?
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will clash at least once in what will arguably be the biggest fight of the year. Both are long in the tooth.
The heavyweight division is ready for new stars. Itauma and Kabayel could be next. Further down the line, the extremely talented Leo Atang could reach superstardom.
As for Usyk, he may be itching on the road, but he’s seemingly safe in his decision to walk away after another low-risk, high-reward fight.
