Undefeated heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is in discussions with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing for a potential farewell fight against Deontay Wilder in the United States, according to reports.
Usyk, who recently relinquished his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, has stated his intention to have "one last dance" in the ring. Sergey Lapin, Usyk's team director, confirmed that discussions are underway with Zuffa Boxing. "Usyk has already stated that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his last dance," Lapin told BBC Sport. "It is a match-up with significant potential from a sporting, media and international perspective."
Deontay Wilder's manager, Shelly Finkel, indicated that the former world champion would accept such a fight. "If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would take it," Finkel stated.
Zuffa Boxing, a new venture fronted by UFC president Dana White and reportedly backed by Saudi Arabian funding, aims to disrupt the traditional boxing promotional landscape. The company is looking to establish its own champions rather than relying on existing sanctioning body belts.
"We are in direct discussions with Zuffa Boxing at the highest level. At this stage, no agreements have been signed," Lapin added. "Zuffa Boxing is being considered as one of the potential partners for a major international event. The final structure will be determined based on what is in the best interests of the fight, the fighters, and the overall scale of the project."
Usyk, 39, remains undefeated in 25 professional bouts and is widely recognized as one of his generation's top fighters. Wilder, 40, is a former world champion but is considered to be past his prime.