In a highly anticipated move, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed that Oleksandr Usyk is open to defending his WBC title against Deontay Wilder, a former champion himself. But here's where it gets controversial: Usyk, the current heavyweight champion, is willing to take on Wilder, who reigned as WBC champion for five years before his defeat to Tyson Fury in 2020. This potential fight has boxing fans on the edge of their seats!
Sulaiman stated that Wilder is 'welcome' to challenge Usyk, as he is eligible and ranked among the WBC's top 15 contenders. Usyk, eager to strengthen his legacy, has requested a voluntary title defense against Wilder, which has been granted by the WBC. This means Usyk gets to choose his opponent from the top-ranked contenders, and he's set his sights on Wilder.
Usyk's motivation is clear: he's already defeated Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each, and Wilder is the last remaining unbeaten heavyweight from the 'big three.' By taking on Wilder, Usyk aims to solidify his dominance in the boxing world. And this is the part most people miss: the fight is expected to take place in America, marking Usyk's return to the US boxing scene since 2019.
The boxing community is buzzing with speculation about this potential match-up. Will Wilder be able to reclaim his former glory? Or will Usyk prove his supremacy once again? The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the official fight announcement. What do you think the outcome will be? Share your predictions in the comments!