Oleksandr Usyk explained why Deontay Wilder sits at the top of his personal hit list — and it has nothing to do with belts, rankings, or business.
Speaking with the same calm conviction that has defined his rise from undisputed cruiserweight king to two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler, Usyk made it clear that choosing Wilder is about answering a deeper challenge — the kind only a puncher of Wilder’s reputation can pose.
Usyk: “The Cat” chasing the division’s most dangerous puncher
“I want to fight Wilder because he’s a very famous guy during the last few years, was a champion, and is a very dangerous opponent,” Usyk explained. “I’m not looking for a dangerous guy, as all my opponents are dangerous.”
Wilder, to Usyk, isn’t just another contender — he’s the heavyweight test that exposes a fighter’s nerve long before a punch is thrown. Usyk isn’t interested in sidestepping that test. He wants to confront it.
“Size doesn’t matter,” he said. “If size mattered, the king of the animals would be the elephant.”
Then came the line that sums him up: “My nickname is the cat. But the cat is very dangerous. Lion is two cat, tiger is two cat.”
For Usyk, Wilder is simply another “lion” the cat intends to tame.
No interest in the size debate
Since moving to heavyweight, discussion has centred on size, reach, and weight — none of which ever concerned him.
“For two years I lived in the gym, and I am champion,” he said. “My most difficult opponent is me. Always, the chances for me are fifty-fifty, but I win all the time.”
For Usyk, heavyweight success is discipline, not dimensions. His “second Alexander” persona switches on when it matters most.
God, family, work — everything else follows
Long camps away from home have only sharpened his priorities.
“God, family, team, friends, cars, house, dogs, cats, food, and motorbike,” he listed. “Listen… money is the effect of the work.”
Wilder, in that order of life, isn’t a payday. He has another task to complete.
Old-school inspiration, modern motivation
Evander Holyfield’s path continues to resonate with Usyk.
“I read a lot about him,” Usyk said. “When we met, it was very interesting to hear the old school stuff… If you continue to work, you will grow.”
It’s that mentality — persistence, repetition, growth — that drives his interest in Wilder. Greatness, not danger, is the pursuit.
War at home, perspective everywhere
On Ukraine, Usyk’s tone turned solemn.
“Our people are smart and brave, defending themselves against aggression against those who are trying to destroy our independence.”
The conflict has sharpened every moment of his career, adding gravity to every fight he takes.
And the hair? Usyk just smiles
Asked about his current look, he simply grinned.
“Listen, I’ve heard the Beatles. Like or not like, I cannot say… Fifty-fifty, but I do like my hair.”
The bottom line
Usyk doesn’t want Wilder for ease, danger, or money. He wants the fight because Wilder represents the heavyweight puzzle that only a select few dare to solve.
The cat is ready to play, and Wilder is next in line.
