Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder - Who wins?

[keithmoonhangover]

If anyone deserves an easy night, it's Usyk who has proved without doubt that he is the best heavyweight on the planet. Him fighting Kabayel or Wardley would barely move the needle on the Legacy-ommeter.

[tiny_acres]

If anyone deserves an easy night, it's Usyk who has proved without doubt that he is the best heavyweight on the planet. Him fighting Kabayel or Wardley would barely move the needle on the Legacy-ommeter.

I agree with you. Every all time great has a few easy title defenses.

[Ruthless-RKO]

‘I think it’s real’: Deontay Wilder talks potential for Oleksandr Usyk fight

Deontay Wilder believes Oleksandr Usyk really does want to fight him.



Former heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder say down for an interview and gave his thoughts on Oleksandr Usyk calling him out for a fight, saying that his promoter has been contacted and he believes there’s genuine interest from Usyk’s camp. Wilder also mentioned that now might be the right time for him to finally face Derek Chisora. Check out some excerpts from Wilder below.

Wilder on negotiations for Usyk fight
“This fight come about with one promoter contacting the other, contacting mine and we got the call. The saying is ‘you have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready’ because in boxing, especially heavyweight boxing, you just never know when your card will be pulled, and mine was pulled.

“Now the matter is if it’s real or not, that’s the situation. In my heart of hearts, I think it’s real…sometimes it can also be publicity stunts and stuff. Not saying that he needs it or whatever, I’m just saying in the business of boxing certain things happen.”

“I had got derailed for many years because mentally, because of betrayal and a lot of things going on outside of the ring…As a fighter you do go through a lot of things…”

On any interest in a fight with Derek Chisora
“I’m a person of a believer of time…Right now it’s looking like it could be the perfect time for it. Derek is still dangerous, I think he’s talking about retiring, and he say he wants to fight me before he retires as well. So I could be his retirement fight.”

[joshj909]

Chisora Vs Wilder is a way better fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Deontay Wilder has eye on Murat Gassiev even as he negotiates with Oleksandr Usyk

Deontay Wilder has said that he's in negotiations with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a title fight next year.

The former beltholder isn't averse to talking about other potential opponents, however. That includes Murat Gassiev.

The former cruiserweight champ from Russia stopped Kubrat Pulev in six rounds to win the WBA's secondary "regular" title on December 12 in Dubai. (Usyk holds the full WBA title.)

Among those in attendance was Wilder, who said he wouldn’t mind getting in the ring with Gassiev.

“Congratulations to Gassiev,” Wilder told Boxing Social. “I think that would be an amazing fight.”

Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) has seen better days. His recent seventh-round knockout of Tyrrell Anthony Herndon on June 27 was desperately needed. Prior to that, he came out on the losing end in four of his last five, falling to the Tyson Fury (twice), Joseph Parker, and Zhilei Zhang.

Wilder, 40, is a long way away from title contention, at least according to the sanctioning bodies. Only the WBC has him ranked in their top 15, pegging him at No. 13.

For now, Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) will wait and see how things play out. In the meantime, he had nothing but good things to say about Gassiev’s performance.

“That was a beautiful left hook,” Wilder said of the KO punch. “It was very sneaky.”

[KiwiRider]

I'm starting to go a bit cold on Uysk.
And this fight is one I probably won't even bother to watch.
And 100% won't pay for.
Who would pay for it?
Wilder is Parker's leftovers, what could be more unappetizing?

[jamesmcdonnell]

I'm starting to go a bit cold on Uysk.
And this fight is one I probably won't even bother to watch.
And 100% won't pay for.
Who would pay for it?
Wilder is Parker's leftovers, what could be more unappetizing?

Yeah, its a crap fight.

[Taansend]

I'm starting to go a bit cold on Uysk.
And this fight is one I probably won't even bother to watch.
And 100% won't pay for.
Who would pay for it?
Wilder is Parker's leftovers, what could be more unappetizing?

Spot on.

As much as I like & respect Usyk I'm really hoping Wilder knocks him out in the first just for the fuckery of it all.

[KiwiRider]

I'm starting to go a bit cold on Uysk.
And this fight is one I probably won't even bother to watch.
And 100% won't pay for.
Who would pay for it?
Wilder is Parker's leftovers, what could be more unappetizing?

Spot on.

As much as I like & respect Usyk I'm really hoping Wilder knocks him out in the first just for the fuckery of it all.

That would be a huge laugh. But if Wilder couldn't unload on Parker a few years ago, he ain't doing it to anyone alive now.

[margaret thatcher]

usyk been on a run of fighting the best guys in the division, but now after that, at almost 40, he may take a soft one vs wilder and we want him ko'd for it? by a guy whose taken far more soft fights than usyk ever will and just fought another total can?

[KiwiRider]

usyk been on a run of fighting the best guys in the division, but now after that, at almost 40, he may take a soft one vs wilder and we want him ko'd for it? by a guy whose taken far more soft fights than usyk ever will and just fought another total can?

You must have loved it when a soft target defies the odds and pulls of a huge upset.
Come on!

[margaret thatcher]

i just find it ironic that some folk want wilder of all people, coming off his 30th can crush vs the great tyrell hendren
(or whatever the guys name is), to beat usyk because they think usyk is taking a soft one after aj-fury-dubois . maybe if wilder wins he can then do his routine of 10 defenses vs nobodies before fighting a top opponent again.

[Taansend]

usyk been on a run of fighting the best guys in the division, but now after that, at almost 40, he may take a soft one vs wilder and we want him ko'd for it? by a guy whose taken far more soft fights than usyk ever will and just fought another total can?

Yes, upsets are brilliant for the sport.

And the rematch would be HUGE.

I give Wilder a 1 in 1000 chance but I'm hoping he does it

[Ruthless-RKO]

Wilder said he wil retire in 10 years

[mickey1975]

i just find it ironic that some folk want wilder of all people, coming off his 30th can crush vs the great tyrell hendren
(or whatever the guys name is), to beat usyk because they think usyk is taking a soft one after aj-fury-dubois . maybe if wilder wins he can then do his routine of 10 defenses vs nobodies before fighting a top opponent again.

I think his willingness to face Usyk shows the true fighting heart of the man. He would definitely have fought anyone given the chance.

[Taansend]

i just find it ironic that some folk want wilder of all people, coming off his 30th can crush vs the great tyrell hendren
(or whatever the guys name is), to beat usyk because they think usyk is taking a soft one after aj-fury-dubois . maybe if wilder wins he can then do his routine of 10 defenses vs nobodies before fighting a top opponent again.

I think his willingness to face Usyk shows the true fighting heart of the man. He would definitely have fought anyone given the chance.

I think that Maggie thinks I want Wilder to win as a slight against Usyk. I fornicating LOVE Usyk. But if he wins as expected that does nothing for the sport.

If Wilder KOs him that will be talked about in 50 years.

Wilder was outclassed by Parker & stopped by Zhang, both of who were stopped soon after. Wilder's best win is the draw against Fury which was really a fornicating loss.

Wilder stopping Usyk is Rocky 1 times 50.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Deontay Wilder: Oleksandr Usyk wants me because he thinks I’ve declined

Deontay Wilder thinks Oleksandr Usyk has only recently called him out because the Ukrainian believes Wilder is no longer the fighter he once was.

Wilder, 40, defeated Tyrell Herndon in Wichita, Kansas, in the summer, marking his first win in three years after losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

Wilder told Boxing Scene the queue to face him was shorter when he was knocking everyone out.

“When I was at the top and stuff, nobody, they didn't talk that way [challenging him],” Wilder said. “You understand me? It was a different language, because I still got that power right here. But they feel because of my derailing of certain situations and me mentally getting myself back together, they feel like, ‘Oh, now we can beat him. Let's give him an opportunity.’ Because I know for sure the more you lose, the more opportunities you get than when you winning. I know that for a fact. You get more opportunity losing than you winning because people feel like they can beat you.”

Usyk might also want Wilder because it would allow him to have a big fight in the United States. Having already beaten Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice each, beating Wilder would add the final big name of the heavyweight era to Usyk’s resume.

Wilder understands that reasoning, too.

“Now, you are right about finishing out the era and stuff because that’s a great thing. I would want to do that as well,” Wilder added.

Wilder also knows that, stylistically, they are poles apart as fighters.

Usyk is a cultured southpaw, an Olympic gold medallist, while Wilder packs one of the great heavyweight punches of all time – that straight right hand – but is a comparatively crude slugger.

“I think he’s a very skilful fighter,” Wilder admitted. “Even when I first was introduced to him and stuff like that, I always thought Usyk had nice skills.”

Then, addressing criticisms of his style, Wilder added: “It's crazy how people's mindset is.

“One minute when you're great and doing your thing, ‘Oh, he's wild, he's ready, he don't know how to box.’ Now, when they feel like you're gone and they want you back, ‘We want the old Wilder back.’ I'm like, ‘Y'all not really like him or something like that? You really want him back or you want the new one? Which one you want?’

“But it's all good, man. You can't please all the people all the time. You never can. You got to have a sense of humor, especially when you're in the business of boxing. You just have to. You have to have tough skin as well. And that I have. I have it all, and I'm looking forward to whatever God has for me. It's going to be big for me, and people are about to be shocked. When Ali said he shook the world, he shocked the world. I'm going to shock it, and I'm going to shock it as well.”

[mickey1975]

He wants him because he thinks it's the most money for the easiest night. EXACTLY like all the rest!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder target date and venue revealed as manager gives update

Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder is expected to land in late April or May in the US according to the former's manager.

Usyk astonishingly declared that he would be vacating his WBO world title ending Fabio Wardley's hopes of securing a showdown.

And he then revealed that he would instead be pursuing a bout with American superstar Wilder in the new year.

The 'Bronze Bomber' revealed to talkSPORT that the huge heavyweight showdown is already being lined up with official negotiations underway.

And now in a fresh update on the shock bout, Usyk's manager Egis Klimas insisted the fight is now very likely to happen.

He told The National: "It’s very likely [we will see Usyk face Wilder.

"Because right now we're working on it, and we're working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr.

“As soon as we're going to confirm that, we're going to jump in. And some talks already are going on with the team of Wilder.

"We're looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and dates are the end of April, beginning of May.

“Wilder is one of the best names [that] Oleksandr didn't face yet. He's still in good shape, and he's still a fighter, so he's interesting. And as well, it's the United States.”

It is clear that Usyk is hoping to crack the US market, having not fought stateside since his 2019 win over Chazz Witherspoon.

Despite Wilder's recent form which has seen him take one win since 2023, the 'Bronze Bomber' is still a huge commercial draw.

[mickey1975]

He's split from Riyadh season, according to reports.

[Ruthless-RKO]

He's split from Riyadh season, according to reports.

for now yh, cus he wants to pursue his own fights and not who Turki wants him to fight.

Fighting under Turki can be like having mandatories ordered, cus he'll pay the big bucks for what fights he wants to see.

Usyk clearly wants a choice. that's why he's choosing Wilder.

[Alba]

He's split from Riyadh season, according to reports.

for now yh, cus he wants to pursue his own fights and not who Turki wants him to fight.

Fighting under Turki can be like having mandatories ordered, cus he'll pay the big bucks for what fights he wants to see.

Usyk clearly wants a choice. that's why he's choosing Wilder.

Does this mean we cant expect any updates from you on usyk until he goes back with Turki?
Will he be dead to you ?

[Ruthless-RKO]

He's split from Riyadh season, according to reports.

for now yh, cus he wants to pursue his own fights and not who Turki wants him to fight.

Fighting under Turki can be like having mandatories ordered, cus he'll pay the big bucks for what fights he wants to see.

Usyk clearly wants a choice. that's why he's choosing Wilder.

Does this mean we cant expect any updates from you on usyk until he goes back with Turki?
Will he be dead to you ?

yh cus i'm Turki's PA and I have a contract with Riyadh Season.. So unless you're down with Riyadh, I ain't updating anything.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oleksandr Usyk team “looking at Vegas, Los Angeles” for Wilder clash next spring

The heavyweight championship could make its way back to U.S. soil for the first time in nearly five years.

Fittingly, the event would include the last American heavyweight to challenge for that very crown.

Egis Klimas, the career-long manager for two-division and unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, informed Dubai-based publication The National that a targeted clash with Deontay Wilder could take place – if finalized – on the U.S. West Coast in late April or early May.

Talks are ongoing for the already approved voluntary defense, though the blessing of the sanctioning bodies was the least of anyone’s worries. A number of details remain in need of resolution, though none of which figure to serve as a roadblock.

One key item is the promoter for the event. Klimas would not tip his hand on the group(s) with whom he is presently negotiating, other than to reveal that it won’t involve Riyadh Season.

“No, actually, that's a different group from the United States,” Klimas told The National during the start of the World Sports Summit in Dubai. “I cannot say that he's not going to be fighting in the Riyadh Season [in the future]. He might be fighting in the Riyadh Season, but as far as right now, we don't have any offers or anything like that from them.”

Usyk linked up with Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh for his two-fight set with Tyson Fury.

Their first meeting marked the first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years, won by Usyk, 24-0 (15 KOs) via split decision last May 18 in Riyadh. They returned to the Saudi capital for their rematch last December 21, where Usyk claimed a more convincing decision victory.

Fury immediately announced his retirement, though – true to form – has strongly hinted a comeback.

Usyk has fought just once since then. It came against London’s Daniel Dubois, whom he stopped in the 5th round of their July 19 rematch at Wembley Stadium to become two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. Riyadh Season was not directly involved in the event but was the major sponsor as is the case for all Queensberry Promotions events.

The idea of a showdown with Wilder in Vegas or L.A. would put Usyk in the states for the first time since October 2019, fittingly in his heavyweight debut. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion moved up in weight and knocked out late sub Chazz Witherspoon in the 7th round of a DAZN headliner in Chicago, Illinois.

Wilder, 44-4-1 (43 KOs), was still the undefeated WBC heavyweight titlist at the time.

The “Alabama Slammer” (hat tip to Brunch Boxing co-founder Matthew Brown for the nickname) was roughly one month out from a repeat knockout win over Luis Ortiz, which would be the 10th and final defense of the title he held since January 2015.

In his next outing, Wilder suffered a one-sided, 7th round knockout defeat to Fury in their February 2020 rematch at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Their October 2021 rubber match also came with the WBC title at stake, this time at nearby T-Mobile Arena. Fury won via 11th round knockout in the universally hailed 2021 Fight of the Year.

No portion of the heavyweight title has since been contested in the U.S.

Usyk dethroned Anthony Joshua in their September 2021 meeting in North London, then defeated him via split decision in their August 2022 rematch in Riyadh. Fury defeated Dillian Whyte in a 6th round knockout at Wembley, before three straight fights in Riyadh – his two fights with Usyk which were preceded by an October 2023 novelty fight with Francis Ngannou.

Wilder is 2-4 in his last six fights and just at .500 over his last four starts. He knocked out Robert Helenius in the 1st round of their October 2022 meeting in Brooklyn, New York. The win was followed by back-to-back defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh, the latter which seemingly brought a violent end to his memorable career.

Instead, Wilder took a long break before he returned to the ring this past June 27. Ring rust was evident though Wilder pushed through it to eventually stop Tyrrell Herndon in the 7th round in Wichita, Kansas.

Usyk’s win over Witherspoon was the last of his three career fights in the U.S.

The 2012 Olympic Gold medalist made the first defense of his WBO cruiserweight title in a December 2016 stoppage win over Thabiso Mchunu in Inglewood, California. Four months later, he headed over to the East Coast, where he outpointed Michael Hunter in an April 2017 title defense in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Usyk went on to fully unify the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight. His first win over Fury to become undisputed heavyweight king saw all the titles remain in his possession for just five weeks. He vacated the IBF belt to allow Dubois and Joshua fight for the full version of the title rather than just the interim belt.

Dubois annihilated Joshua inside of five rounds, only to return the belt to Usyk in their July rematch. Fury still holds the IBF belt, along with the WBC and WBA titles. He has since parted with the WBO strap, however, in lieu of an ordered title consolidation bout with Fabio Wardley.

Despite not going through with the fight, Usyk dismissed retirement talks and insisted that he has at least another two years left.

For now, the short-term goal appears to be to check off bucket list items – hence Wilder serving as his desired target.

“Wilder is one of the best names Oleksandr didn't face yet,” Klimas pointed out. “He's still in good shape, and he's still a fighter, so he's interesting. And as well, it's the United States.”

[steve689]

It's a legacy builder fight. As in, Wilder has been one of the prominent heavyweight champions of the era, and when people look at BoxRec GPT in 50 years, they'll see the name on the record and a W in the side column, his current comatose state not adequately understood.