Ukrainian heavyweight sensation Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) has revealed his plans for what he’s calling his “last dance” in the boxing ring. The 39-year-old champion is targeting American knockout artist Deontay Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs) as the likely opponent for his final professional fight, a bout expected to unfold in the United States.
Usyk’s announcement comes amid a significant shift in his retirement strategy, prioritizing high-profile, non-title contests. His team director, Sergey Lapin, confirms that Usyk sees Wilder as a prime candidate, citing the enormous sporting, media, and international appeal such a match holds.
Oleksandr Usyk shifts retirement focus
Usyk, a dominant force in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, recently vacated his IBF, WBA, and WBC heavyweight titles. This decision allows him to pursue marquee fights that personally motivate him, rather than fulfilling mandatory title defenses.
The veteran boxer, who holds historic undisputed crowns in two weight classes, previously outlined a three-fight retirement plan. That initial vision included his recent clash with Rico Verhoeven, followed by the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, and a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.
However, Usyk later stated his retirement plans were “not 100%” final, leaving room for adjustments. His performance against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, 2026, near the Giza necropolis in Cairo, Egypt, appeared to influence his thinking.
Usyk secured an 11th-round technical knockout in that WBC heavyweight title defense, yet reports suggested it was an underwhelming showing for the champion. Despite the win, Usyk, at 39, seems ready to conclude his storied career on his own terms.
Targeting a big name in the USA
Speaking to Daily Mail Boxing, Usyk shared his vision for his farewell bout, declaring it would be “against a big name” in the United States. He specifically mentioned “maybe in New York, [in a] stadium,” emphasizing the grand scale he envisions for his swansong.
When pressed to define these “big names” among his heavyweight rivals, Usyk pinpointed two: Tyson Fury, whom he’s already faced twice, and Deontay Wilder. The Ukrainian has consistently sought to defeat every iconic heavyweight of his generation.
With Usyk’s impressive list of past victories, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois, Wilder remains the only elite fighter of this era whom Usyk hasn’t yet challenged. This absence on his record makes the prospect of an Oleksandr Usyk showdown with “The Bronze Bomber” particularly compelling.
Deontay Wilder emerges as prime candidate
Current boxing schedules seem to favor a clash with Deontay Wilder for Usyk’s final act. Usyk stated his career finale wouldn’t happen until December at the earliest.
This timeline appears to be influenced by expectations that Tyson Fury will face Anthony Joshua the month prior. Such a bout would make Fury unavailable, effectively positioning Wilder as the frontrunner for Oleksandr Usyk’s final fight.
Recent reports even suggest that Usyk and Wilder could collide for the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight world title, although Usyk didn’t confirm or deny these rumors. He noted his team is working on fight details, indicating various options are still on the table.
Wilder’s power and recent form
Deontay Wilder, 40, brings unparalleled knockout power to any encounter, with 43 of his 45 wins coming by stoppage. He’s widely considered one of the hardest punchers in modern boxing history.
Wilder is coming off a split-decision victory over Derek Chisora on April 4, 2026, showing he’s still a formidable force. Advanced negotiations between the Usyk and Wilder teams are reportedly underway, with Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn even hinting at a potential agreement already.
A fight between these two would offer a stark contrast in styles: Usyk’s agile, technical mastery against Wilder’s devastating, one-punch knockout capability. It’s a matchup that promises fireworks and a defining moment for both men’s legacies.
Usyk’s preparation and boxing legacy
Despite the ongoing discussions about his opponent, Usyk remains intensely focused on his physical conditioning. “Now, I [do] not think about boxing. I think about training for boxing,” he said, detailing his routine.
He listed cardio, cross-training, and sauna as essential components of his preparation, prioritizing his physical readiness above all else. This disciplined approach has been a hallmark of his career, contributing to his extraordinary success.
Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk, born on January 17, 1987, in Simferopol, Ukraine, earned the nickname “The Cat” for his agility. Despite his relatively modest physical attributes for a heavyweight, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall with a 78-inch reach, he’s consistently defied expectations.
His amateur career saw him win gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Professionally, he became undisputed cruiserweight champion on July 27, 2018. He then moved to heavyweight in 2019, securing unified titles against Anthony Joshua in 2021.
Usyk became undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury on May 18, 2024, the first in 24 years. He retained his titles in a rematch on December 21, 2024, and then became a two-time undisputed champion on July 19, 2025, by knocking out Daniel Dubois.
This made him the first male boxer to become a three-time undisputed champion in the “four-belt era,” cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His recent win where Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBC heavyweight title near the Giza necropolis further illustrates his historic run.
Impact on the heavyweight division
The impending conclusion of Oleksandr Usyk’s career, particularly with his choice of an opponent like Deontay Wilder, carries significant implications for the heavyweight division. His departure will undoubtedly open up the title landscape, creating fresh opportunities for rising contenders.
A Usyk-Wilder clash would not only be a massive financial draw but also a crucial legacy fight. For Usyk, it’s an opportunity to complete his mission of facing every significant heavyweight of his time, further solidifying his extraordinary place in boxing history.
The fight, expected in America, highlights the continued commercial importance of the U.S. market for major boxing events. While the exact date and venue remain officially undisclosed, the anticipation for this potential “last dance” is already building.
