Oleksandr Usyk confirms ‘first option’ for 2026 fight – rival camp responds

Oleksandr Usyk recently vacated his WBO heavyweight title, elevating Fabio Wardley to full champion. The mercurial Ukrainian has now spoken to Boxing King Media, confirming his ‘first option’ for a fight in 2026 is Deontay Wilder, with Team Wilder welcoming a potential showdown.

Oleksandr Usyk confirms his favoured option for a 2026 fight

The WBO confirmed Usyk’s decision in a recent statement:

“A champion of champions,” said WBO president Gustavo Olivieri in the statement published by the WBO. “The WBO extends its profound respect, admiration, and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an undefeated, two-division, WBO undisputed world champion, and a fighter who has earned and exemplified every right, privilege, and honor associated with the WBO super champion distinction. His career stands as one of the most extraordinary and historic of the modern boxing era.”

“The WBO is deeply honored to have had a champion of such stature both inside and outside the ring,” the statement continued.

“Usyk embodies excellence, discipline, integrity, and patriotism. He is a source of pride for the people of Ukraine and a true global ambassador for boxing. We accept and respect his decision to relinquish the WBO Heavyweight Super Championship. This is not a farewell, but – as expressed by his team – a respectful pause. The doors of the WBO will always remain open to Oleksandr Usyk and his team. We extend our warmest wishes to Oleksandr, his family, and his entire team in all future personal and professional endeavors. His place in WBO history – and in the global legacy of boxing – is forever secure.”

“I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it’s interesting,” he told Boxing King Media.

“He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy,” Usyk said.

“One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option.”

Team Wilder responds