Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk is in talks with Zuffa Boxing over a farewell fight against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. This was reported by Zuffa Boxing.
Zuffa Boxing is headed by UFC president Dana White.
Serhii Lapin, the director of the Ukrainian boxer’s team, told the BBC that direct talks are taking place at the highest level, but no agreements have been signed so far.
According to Lapin, Usyk has already said that he sees Deontay Wilder as the opponent for his “last dance”.
“This matchup has significant potential from sporting, media and international perspectives,” he said.
The 39-year-old Usyk last week gave up the WBA, WBC and IBF belts he held. At the same time, the boxer said he was not retiring and wanted to have one more fight.
Usyk’s potential opponent, 40-year-old Deontay Wilder, is currently going through a difficult period in his career, but remains one of the most recognizable boxers and one of the most popular American heavyweights.
Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, confirmed that his client is interested in such a fight.
“If Deontay is offered a fight with Usyk, he will accept it,” Finkel said.
According to Lapin, the United States is the most logical location for the fight, but the date and specific arena have not yet been determined.
“Such a fight requires not only the right names, but also the right partner, the right venue, the right broadcasting platform and an event of the appropriate scale,” he added.
Usyk and Wilder had already held talks about a fight several months ago, but no agreement was reached at that time. Wilder ultimately fought Derek Chisora, while Usyk faced Rico Verhoeven.
