Oleksandr Usyk wants nothing more than to fight his fellow heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, for the chance to become undisputed in the division.
But the elite Ukrainian has also expressed an interest in facing Deontay Wilder – the man who held the WBC belt for half a decade before being relieved of it by Fury over a thrilling trilogy.
Unfortunately, neither fight has been made, but Usyk’s recent signing with Saudi Arabia’s Skill Challenge promotional company perhaps makes them more likely for the future.
Asked by Seconds Out which is the tougher fight for him, Usyk answered Wilder. His reasoning was ‘just because’ and a smile, but many will believe that it’s because of the sheer power the American possesses.
Although Fury has won his last four by stoppage, Wilder has been known to produce one-punch knockouts at any given second throughout his career, a perfect example being his last outing against Robert Helenius.
It was the third punch Wilder landed in the first round that sent the Finnish fighter to the canvas rendered unable to continue.
Fury of course beat Wilder twice after fighting a draw which many felt he won as well. He’s undefeated and has breezed through many opponents handily, exhibiting incredible skills for a big man. Wilder, on the other hand, is known by many to be a one-trick pony – but what a trick it is.
Boxing fans don’t need to be told that styles make fights, and the Ukrainian has clearly seen something that could pose a problem to him.
He said it all with a smile, so some fans may believe it’s just another dig in the strange mind games with Fury as an undisputed fight begins to near once again.