Promising Talks Hint at a Global Boxing Collision: Wilder vs. Usyk on the Horizon
14 December 2025
Negotiations heat up for a Wilder–Usyk heavyweight clash
Deontay Wilder believes talks to fight unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk look very promising, vowing to pull off a stunning upset if the bout happens.
Usyk has secured permission for an optional defense under the WBC, and his camp regards Wilder, the former world champion, as the favored challenger for the upcoming showdown.
Wilder, who had not tasted defeat in his first 43 pro fights, has lost four of his last six, recording two wins in that span against opponents well below world-class level.
Why this matchup appeals and Usyk’s current status
Nevertheless, given Usyk’s prior knockout wins over the British duo Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois (twice for some), a Wilder–a power puncher looks like a tempting option, especially if the bout is staged in the United States.
In an interview with IBA Boxing during the IBA Pro 13 in Dubai, Wilder said: "The excitement this potential clash has sparked among boxing fans has been amazing, and I have no doubt it will happen. At this stage of negotiations, everything is looking very promising."
He added: "My heart is pounding merely at the thought of returning to the ring. This is what I needed, what I’ve been seeking to reset my mindset—because the issue wasn’t physical, it was mental. Now I’m mentally ready, and getting this chance is a beautiful gift. I hope negotiations proceed smoothly and fairly."
Usyk, who has never tasted defeat, is no longer the champion of every body after relinquishing the WBO belt in 2021 following his victory over Joshua, but he still holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts in the heavyweight division.
Wilder’s last appearance was in June when he earned a knockout over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon.
Wilder insists he can keep the momentum going: "I pray everything is fair. Usyk is a religious man, and I hope that is respected. Let things be fair, and we’ll deliver a great fight. Sorry, the world will see… the new champion!"
Wilder had previously lost twice in a row to Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021, followed by two more losses to Joseph Parker and Jiang Zheili in 2023 and 2024, leading many to think his days at the top are behind him.
But the 40-year-old fighter says the doubts only fuel his motivation: "Definitely! This gives anyone a strong incentive. My life has been chaotic, what I’ve been through has been wild. And yet… I’m back. My mental state is strong, I’m still happy, I still love people, and nothing has changed. I’m still here, and getting this opportunity is a great blessing."
He concluded: "I told Usyk I value this opportunity. Fans, get ready… it will be incredible."
Final punchline from the world of boxing: If this fight lands in the U.S., the only thing that should clock out before the bell is the hype—because the hype is clocking in at a speed even Wilder can’t outrun. And if Usyk dances around like that, the judges might need a map to follow his footwork.
