Full Breakdown
Usyk’s “Last Dance” – Targeting Deontay Wilder in a Zuffa-Boxed Showdown
7/4/2026, 12:45:06 AM
Core Event – Title Vacancies and a Farewell Fight Target
Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk announced, via social media, that he is vacating his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles to free himself from mandatory defenses. While confirming he is not retiring, Usyk described his next bout as a “last dance.” His team director, Sergey Lapin, said Usyk has identified former champion Deontay Wilder as the opponent for that final contest, with negotiations underway to stage the fight in the United States under the new Zuffa Boxing banner. No formal agreement has been signed.
Background & Context – Recent Performances and Title Landscape
Usyk’s most recent title defence was an 11th-round stoppage of kick-boxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 24 in Giza, Egypt. Wilder, aged 40, entered his 50th professional fight in April, earning a split-decision win over Derek Chisora to improve to 45-4-1 with 43 knockouts. Usyk’s vacating of the belts has already reshaped the division: the WBC elevated interim champion Agit Kabayel to full champion, while the IBF title is now vacant.
Key Figures & Organizations
- Oleksandr Usyk – 39-year-old Ukrainian, unbeaten in 25 professional bouts.
- Deontay Wilder – 40-year-old American former world heavyweight champion.
- Sergey Lapin – Team director of Usyk’s promotional company Ready To Fight.
- Shelly Finkel – Wilder’s manager and co-manager.
- Dana White – UFC president and head of Zuffa Boxing, a Saudi-funded venture seeking to recognise its own champions.
Data & Statistics
- Usyk: 25-0 record, 39 years old, former undisputed heavyweight champion.
- Wilder: 45-4-1 record, 43 KOs, 40 years old.
- Vacated belts: WBA, WBC, IBF heavyweight titles.
- Zuffa Boxing: backed by Saudi Arabian funding, positioned to challenge boxing’s traditional promotional model.
Official Statements & Responses
Usyk’s camp, through Lapin, reiterated that Wilder is the preferred opponent and highlighted the bout’s “significant potential from a sporting, media and international perspective.” Wilder’s manager, Finkel, confirmed Wilder would accept the fight if offered under suitable terms. Zuffa Boxing’s involvement remains exploratory; UFC president White responded to press queries with “Anything is possible,” indicating no binding contract. The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, noted that Usyk’s vacating obliges the organization to appoint a new champion, prompting Kabayel’s elevation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that negotiations are ongoing, but no party has confirmed a signed deal. The fight’s venue is described as “the most logical option” being the United States, yet Lapin also expressed a personal desire for the bout to occur in Ukraine—a location not yet ruled out. Precise dates, purse structures, and broadcast arrangements remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Usyk has already stated that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his last dance.” — Sergey Lapin, Team Director, Ready To Fight
- “It is a match-up with significant potential from a sporting, media and international perspective.” — Sergey Lapin
- “If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he would take it.” — Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager
- “If the terms were right, Deontay would welcome the opportunity to fight Usyk.” — Shelly Finkel
- “I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.” — Deontay Wilder, former heavyweight champion
- “Anything is possible.” — Dana White, UFC President
Why It Matters – Division Impact and Promotional Shift
Usyk’s departure from the sanctioning-body belt system opens pathways for other contenders and could accelerate Zuffa Boxing’s challenge to boxing’s entrenched promotional structures. A high-profile Usyk-Wilder clash would generate substantial media attention, potentially redefining revenue models and international interest in heavyweight boxing.
What’s Next – Pending Negotiations
Usyk’s team and Zuffa Boxing continue “direct discussions at the highest level.” Final decisions on venue, date and contractual terms are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, with the United States currently viewed as the most plausible location for the farewell bout.
