Overview
- Speaking at the WBC convention, Oleksandr Usyk said Deontay Wilder is his “first option” for a 2026 return and described the matchup as the most interesting choice.
- Usyk vacated the WBO title after being ordered to face the Parker–Wardley winner, and the organization upgraded Fabio Wardley to full champion.
- Usyk framed the decision as a business move, saying Parker as a potential opponent interested him but Wardley did not, and he indicated he plans to fight for two more years.
- Wilder’s co‑manager Shelly Finkel told Sky Sports they are open to the fight if terms are suitable, with no agreement in place yet.
- Wardley’s manager Mike Ofo said there had been an agreement in principle for a Usyk fight and accused the champion of avoiding a mandatory, as Wilder’s recent losses and ongoing sanctioning‑body eliminators shape options for 2026.