The decision to vacate the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles might have caught some by surprise, but it made complete sense once Oleksandr Usyk explained his reasoning.
With him alluding to his ‘last dance’, it seems the end is drawing near for the Ukrainian. Usyk looks set to retire in the near future, seeking to leave boxing on his own terms.
Retaining the belts meant that he would have been required to face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel for the WBC title; the German has since been elevated to champion following Usyk’s decision. But now, the boxing legend is free to choose who he will share the squared circle with next.
Deontay Wilder rumoured to be first preference
Although there has been no formal confirmation yet, it has been heavily rumoured that Usyk will finally get to face Deontay Wilder. Promoter Eddie Hearn said that a deal had been agreed prior to Jaron Ennis’ win against Zander Zayas, just one day after Usyk’s decision to drop the belts.
At one point, both men were regarded as two of the most dangerous boxers in the world. Usyk, undefeated in 25 professional fights and a two-weight undisputed champion, arguably remains the gold standard for modern heavyweights, while Wilder held the WBC heavyweight belt for five years before losing to Tyson Fury. But, in spite of both men’s rise to the top, they never crossed paths in their prime.
Usyk should have edge in Wilder fight
Analysts are already breaking down what a contest between Wilder and Usyk might look like, while bettors will no doubt check the odds and use offers such as thescore promo code to place wagers once it’s confirmed. But does the Ukrainian hold the edge like many think?
Wilder holds a five-inch reach advantage over his potential opponent and, at 6’ 7”, is four inches taller than his opponent. In the past, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ stated that Usyk was too small to become heavyweight champion, while he has highlighted his speed and his right hand as other weapons in his arsenal.
However, Usyk has a track record when it comes to taller fighters, besting the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua over his glittering career. He will find ways to close that distance and would likely manage to knock Wilder down.
Of course, his most recent fight against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt was a close call, with the Dutchman leading the scorecards prior to a controversial 11th-round stoppage. Perhaps Wilder will take lessons from that bout as he looks to hand Usyk the first defeat of his career.
Alternatives for Usyk if Wilder fight falls through
If the Wilder fight does not happen for any reason, then Usyk won’t be short of options as he brings the curtain down on a historic career. There is potential for a rematch against Verhoeven, should the 39-year-old wish to include a more comprehensive victory on his record.
There have also been discussions about Usyk’s last fight being with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing; his advisor Sergey Lapin has confirmed that conversations between the two parties have already taken place. Lapin has also stated that all options are on the table, provided that the numbers presented to his fighter and the opponent make sense.
