Oleksandr Usyk eyes Deontay Wilder for final fight, hints at Zuffa Boxing
· Yahoo Sports
Oleksandr Usyk says plans are beginning to take shape for what he
expects will be the final fight of his storied professional boxing
career.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion is targeting one final marquee bout before calling time on his career. Deontay Wilder has emerged as the leading candidate, while Dana White's Zuffa Boxing is reportedly among the promotional options.
Speaking on Daily Mail’s "The Hook" podcast, Usyk revealed that his farewell bout is expected to take place in the United States against a high-profile opponent. He added that his last fight will either take place at the year-end or in early 2027.
“Maybe in New York, [in a] stadium. It’s going to be against a big name,” Usyk said. “This could be maybe early next year, or at the end of this year, maybe December.”
The Ukrainian was also asked whether his final appearance could come under the Zuffa Boxing banner. While he did not confirm any agreement, he acknowledged that his team is exploring its options.
“It could be Zuffa, but now I don't think about boxing. I think about training for boxing,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to Usyk's team director, Sergey Lapin, Wilder remains the preferred opponent for the heavyweight star's farewell fight.
Usyk last fought in April, defeating Rico Verhoeven to remain unbeaten as a professional.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion is targeting one final marquee bout before calling time on his career. Deontay Wilder has emerged as the leading candidate, while Dana White's Zuffa Boxing is reportedly among the promotional options.
Oleksandr Usyk says his retirement fight could take place in the United States against Deontay Wilder as Zuffa Boxing emerges as an option
Speaking on Daily Mail’s "The Hook" podcast, Usyk revealed that his farewell bout is expected to take place in the United States against a high-profile opponent. He added that his last fight will either take place at the year-end or in early 2027.
“Maybe in New York, [in a] stadium. It’s going to be against a big name,” Usyk said. “This could be maybe early next year, or at the end of this year, maybe December.”
The Ukrainian was also asked whether his final appearance could come under the Zuffa Boxing banner. While he did not confirm any agreement, he acknowledged that his team is exploring its options.
“It could be Zuffa, but now I don't think about boxing. I think about training for boxing,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to Usyk's team director, Sergey Lapin, Wilder remains the preferred opponent for the heavyweight star's farewell fight.
Usyk last fought in April, defeating Rico Verhoeven to remain unbeaten as a professional.
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