A former long-reigning world heavyweight champion has vowed to defeat Oleksandr Usyk when they inevitably clash next year.
Ukrainian superstar Usyk etched his name into the boxing history books back in July when he stopped Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their historic Wembley Stadium showdown to become the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time.
The unbeaten 38-year-old is now back in the gym and appears to be in line to make his highly-anticipated return to action in the first quarter of 2026, with rumours circulating about who his next opponent could be.
One man in particular that looks to be leading the race to clash with Usyk next is former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, who made his comeback to the sport back in June.
In an interview with Boxing Social, Wilder vowed to defeat Usyk should a showdown between the duo come to fruition, as he claims he will bring ‘excitement’ back to boxing should he be victorious.
“I still got it. Physically I’ve still got it. Physically I never left. That power is still there. People will see that. Ain’t nobody will want to fight. A few people want to say something, but even know they don’t want to really fight.
“But for this, this one I know it’s real. I’ve been having conversations, we’ve been having talks. I love it. To be able to feel confident. They see that I’ve lost and now they think ‘I’ve got him.’
“When I beat him, boxing is back open again. The excitement, the thrill, I brought boxing back and I will do it again. I love that he called me out and stuff like that. For whatever reason that he wants, at the end of the day I appreciate him. I thanked him for thinking of me. If this thing happens, I’ll forever thank him for it.”
‘The Bronze Bomber’ has pledged to capture a version of the world heavyweight title once again but he will be met with a test of the highest magnitude should he go on to face Usyk, who has already racked up victories over the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to name just a few.
