LONDON — Oleksandr Usyk has identified two potential opponents for his next ring appearance following the collapse of negotiations for a proposed heavyweight showdown with Deontay Wilder. The Ukrainian, who vacated his world titles earlier this year after an 11th-round stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven in May, is now assessing his options as he prepares for what is expected to be his final professional contest.
According to reports from Ring Magazine, Usyk is considering a trilogy bout with Tyson Fury, having secured victories in their two previous encounters in 2024. Alternatively, the Ring Magazine heavyweight champion is open to a clash with the unbeaten WBO and WBA cruiserweight titleholder David Benavidez. Benavidez, who is scheduled to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on 5 December, has previously expressed a desire to move up to the heavyweight division to challenge Usyk.
The shift in focus follows the breakdown of talks between Usyk and Wilder, who had been linked to a stateside encounter. Wilder has since been associated with a potential bout against cruiserweight Jai Opetaia on the undercard of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fixture, as well as a possible clash with Verhoeven. As Usyk enters his age-41 campaign, the search for a final high-profile opponent remains the priority for the undefeated southpaw.