World champion in the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight divisions Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KO) confirmed in an interview with DAZN that he will return to the ring in a fight against Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KO). The fight is expected to take place in the first half of 2026, most likely in Las Vegas.
Usyk's last fight took place in July when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in a bout for four belts. Recently, the Ukrainian left his WBO title vacant, which was ultimately claimed by Fabio Wardley. Thus, Usyk's team made it clear that they were not interested in a mandatory defense of the belt against the Briton.
Deontay Wilder returned to the ring in June after losses to Joseph Parker and Zhang Zhilei, defeating second-tier boxer Tyrell Herndon.
