Deontay Wilder knows what Oleksandr Usyk brings.

A fighter who strips time and space down to seconds, who punishes anything loose. Wilder’s felt that level before. The hesitation, the fatigue, the cost of being half a beat behind. He still thinks one punch can change everything.

That right hand is his argument for belonging. It’s all he’s got left that scares anyone in the top five. Usyk’s transition through the division barely slowed. He had a couple of entry fights: Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora and then went straight through the main men.

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Joshua twice. Fury twice. Stopped Dubois.  The work’s been clean, clinical, and complete. Wilder’s run went the other way. The Fury losses exposed real gaps, discipline, balance, reaction speed. Since then, he’s looked heavy and slower to reset.

The right hand still cracks, but everything before it looks like waiting. He talks about being patient and staying relaxed, but that’s another way of saying he doesn’t have many tools left. Even he seems to know he’s not winning rounds against Usyk.

Usyk Has The Leverage, Wilder Brings The Danger

Usyk’s team says talks are live. U.S. dates are being looked at, Vegas and Los Angeles both mentioned. Spring feels likely. They want a return with value, not a layup. Wilder, for his part, calls it steady progress, code for waiting on the financials. He’s the B side now. That’s just reality.

The fight only works on one axis: danger versus control. Usyk chips away at punchers until they stop taking chances. He pressures with movement, not volume, and breaks them by timing.

Wilder has to gamble early, before the rhythm locks him out completely. If he waits, it’s just punishment and fatigue from round three on. And if it goes wrong, it won’t just be another loss. It’s the last one that matters. Another clean defeat turns him into a checkpoint — the name younger heavyweights mention to justify their own raise. That’s the real danger now.

Deontay Wilder knows just how good Oleksandr Usyk is – but he still believes that he has boxing’s greatest equalizer.

Since moving up from cruiserweight just before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Usyk has had a legendary run of victories. He took on two lesser tests in Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora, before immediately heading to the big names in his new division.

He now boasts double victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. With his career coming to a close soon, he now has his eyes on the final great of this heavyweight era in Wilder next year.

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Deontay Wilder reveals key factor for beating Oleksandr Usyk

Despite the fact that boxing maths would dictate Deontay Wilder lost to Fury and as such would lose to Oleksandr Usyk, it doesn’t always work that way. The Ukrainian is technically perhaps the greatest fighter in the world, while the American has always been known for having a limited arsenal.

However, there is no denying that Wilder’s right hand is still one of the most feared weapons in all of boxing. And he intends to make that the key ‘recipe’ as he prepares to take on Usyk in a fight that appears to be moving ever closer.

“I would think that would be the main recipe of it,” Wilder admitted in an exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow earlier this month at the IBA World Championships in Dubai. “I’m not going to give away too much on this interview because people are looking and I don’t want nothing to be heard.

“They might send something back and try to correct certain things, but I will keep it basic. I do have the speed and the height and the athleticism which are three things that give me an advantage.”

Oleksandr Usyk’s team offer positive Deontay Wilder fight update

After years of fighting in Riyadh and the UK as part of Riyadh Season under Turki Alalshikh, it seems that Oleksandr Usyk is finally coming back to America. He is reportedly in talks with a US-based outfit to stage what would be his first non-Saudi backed show since 2023.

Providing an update on the potential clash, Usyk’s manager Egis Kimas told The National: “It’s very likely (we will see Usyk vs Wilder). Because right now we’re working on it, and we’re working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr.

“As soon as we’re going to confirm that, we’re going to jump in. And some talks are already going on with the team of Wilder. We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and the dates are the end of April, beginning of May.”

For his part when we spoke to Wilder three weeks ago, he said: “You’re dealing with my team in America and his team wherever they’re based at. Sometimes if they’re doing email and stuff like that it takes a little while.

“Negotiations take time because he wants something and I want something so we’ve got to meet in the middle and see what’s going on. He is the champion and I have to be a bit more lenient on certain things because of the opportunity.

“I’m very grateful for that and I have no problem with it, so negotiations are going very well and in the end we will see what happens.”

Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder target date and venue revealed as manager gives update

Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder is expected to land in late April or May in the US according to the former’s manager.

Usyk astonishingly declared that he would be vacating his WBO world title ending Fabio Wardley’s hopes of securing a showdown.

And he then revealed that he would instead be pursuing a bout with American superstar Wilder in the new year.

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The ‘Bronze Bomber’ revealed to talkSPORT that the huge heavyweight showdown is already being lined up with official negotiations underway.

And now in a fresh update on the shock bout, Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas insisted the fight is now very likely to happen.

He told The National: “It’s very likely [we will see Usyk face Wilder.

“Because right now we’re working on it, and we’re working on some multi-fight agreement for Oleksandr.

“As soon as we’re going to confirm that, we’re going to jump in. And some talks already are going on with the team of Wilder.

“We’re looking at Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and dates are the end of April, beginning of May.

“Wilder is one of the best names [that] Oleksandr didn’t face yet. He’s still in good shape, and he’s still a fighter, so he’s interesting. And as well, it’s the United States.”

It seems surreal to see Wilder, who many urged to retire, now getting his huge shot at becoming world champion again.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ has largely failed to detonate his huge power in recent outings, only stopping limited Tyrell Herndon in his last outing.

After back-to-back defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, the heavy-handed star looked frozen out of the title picture for good.

But he believes that his recent defeats have seen the call-out come, as Usyk will fancy his chances of victory more than ever.

He told talkSPORT: “I wasn’t surprised, I was 50/50.

“I never get opportunities, no-one gives me chances especially coming up because of the power.

Deontay Wilder Give Real Reason Oleksandr Usyk Wants To Fight Him

Deontay Wilder thinks Oleksandr Usyk has only recently called him out because the Ukrainian believes Wilder is no longer the fighter he once was.

Wilder, 40, defeated Tyrell Herndon in Wichita, Kansas, in the summer, marking his first win in three years after losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

Wilder told BoxingScene the queue to face him was shorter when he was knocking everyone out.

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Interest has peaked on a potential warm-up fight against Derek Chisora — a matchup that, if mishandled, could compromise the highly anticipated clash with Usyk.

And much like the Day of Reckoning in 2023, when a planned Wilder vs Joshua fight was derailed after ‘The Bronze Bomber’ lost to Joseph Parker, Chisora represents danger.

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Wilder Eyes Chisora Bout
Speaking to talkSPORT, Wilder made clear he is open to the Chisora fight.

“Derek Chisora, you want it, you can get it,” Wilder said. “That’s for sure. That might be my warm-up fight. I’ll see what people think about that.

“We were supposed to fight years ago, and I got in some legal trouble, which meant I couldn’t travel. It was supposed to happen, and it didn’t happen, and this opportunity means it can happen.”

Chisora responded to Wilder’s comments, signaling willingness to step in:

“That is the fight number 50 right there. I showed it to you. I wasn’t meant to show it to you, but I figured I’m right here, so let’s do it.

“George Warren made this fight for December 13, and then Deontay got a phone call from the big boss, and he had to pull out.

“But I believe that deal has dropped, so it’s come back on. It will happen; whoever wants to put it on can. I believe Frank Warren will put it on.”

Warm-Up Fights Pose Risk
WBN’s previous ‘Groundhog Day’ coverage of Fury vs Joshua highlighted how warm-up bouts can create logistical and promotional complications.

With both Fury and Joshua now linked to preparatory fights, there is a precedent showing that even minor disruptions or losses in warm-up matches can imperil major showdowns.

The Day of Reckoning in 2023 serves as a cautionary tale: Wilder’s scheduled fight against Joshua fell apart after he suffered an unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, illustrating how a single warm-up loss can obliterate months of promotional planning and fan anticipation.

Despite the implosion, nothing seems to be deterring organizers.

Promotional and Timing Challenges
As with Fury vs Joshua, promoters must balance fighter readiness, fan expectations, and broadcast commitments.

Wilder’s potential bout with Chisora is more than a training exercise — a misstep could alter timelines and contractual obligations, forcing the highly anticipated Wilder vs Usyk fight to be postponed or even canceled.

WBN has reached out to Wilder’s team to confirm whether discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, reinforcing the significance of every decision in this preparatory phase.

Next Steps
While Wilder and Chisora appear ready to move forward, WBN will continue to monitor developments closely.

Fans and industry insiders are watching carefully to see whether this warm-up strategy strengthens Wilder’s campaign for Usyk or inadvertently creates another high-profile setback reminiscent of the Fury vs Joshua complications and Wilder’s Day of Reckoning.

Deontay Wilder is looking to have a tune-up fight before potentially stepping in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk next year.

Wilder once ruled the heavyweight scene with his iron right hand. He knocked out all of his first 40 opponents and was only derailed when he came up against Tyson Fury, who fought to a draw in their first fight and then stopped Wilder in the next two.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ has since lost to Joseph Parker on points and Zhilei Zhang by fifht round stoppage back in 2024, and this year had just one contest – a straight forward knockout of Tyrrell Herndon back in June.

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He was thrown a lifeline this week when two-time undisputed champion Usyk declared he wanted to face the American before he retired.

Speaking to ESNews, Wilder admitted he’d be keen on a contest with Dereck Chisora before then to get back to full fight sharpness.

“Derek Chisora, you want it, you can get it. That’s for sure. That might be my warm-up fight. I’ll see what people think about that. We were supposed to fight years ago, and I got in some legal trouble and it meant I couldn’t travel. It was supposed to happen and it didn’t happen, and this opportunity means it can happen.”

Chisora has had 49 contests and has been biding his time picking his 50th and final opponent. Wilder would be a huge challenge at this stage in his career, but might be the sort of headline-making fight that would get Chisora sufficiently excited to bring out his best.

Deontay Wilder offers update on Oleksandr Usyk fight after pivotal ruling

Deontay Wilder has confirmed he is “in talks” for a fight with Oleksandr Usyk, after emerging as a genuine option for the Ukrainian’s next opponent.

In July, Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois for the second time in two years to regain his status as undisputed heavyweight champion. While the 38-year-old was then expected to face Fabio Wardley, after the Briton stopped Joseph Parker in October, Usyk gave up the WBO belt.

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That move saw Wardley elevated from WBO interim champion to the official title-holder, and it took Wardley off the table as Usyk’s likeliest next opponent. Since then, the WBC has granted Usyk a voluntary title defence.

With that in mind, Usyk has expressed a desire to box Wilder, the former long-reigning WBC champion, in a bid to add another standout name from this generation to his resume.

As a heavyweight, Usyk – a former undisputed cruiserweight king – already holds two wins over Tyson Fury, two over Anthony Joshua, two over Dubois, and one over Derek Chisora. Now, Wilder has provided an update on his chances of facing the unbeaten southpaw.

The American, 40, told talkSPORT: “It is definitely becoming a real conversation. Boxing is a business, but sometimes it falls through. Right now, we are in talks for that fight, yes.

“I’m excited and looking forward to it. Once I get the final say-so and details, then my blood will be pumping.

“I am excited, and once things become clearer, that is when I can go to camp.”

Also this week, Wilder was separated from an impromptu face-off with Chisora in Dubai, where the IBA Men’s World Championship is taking place, as security intervened.

“That is the fight No 50 right there,” Chisora later told Boxing Social, referencing the fact that his next bout is due to be his 50th as a professional – and his last.

“I showed it to you. I wasn’t meant to show it to you, but I figured I’m right here, so let’s do it. George Warren made this fight for 13 December, and then Deontay got a phone call from the big boss, and he had to pull out.

“But I believe that deal has dropped, so it’s come back on. It will happen, whoever wants to put it on. I believe Frank Warren will put it on.”

Chisora, who turns 42 this month, was expected to face fellow Briton Dillian Whyte in a trilogy bout on 13 December, with his comments on Wilder likely to surprise some fans. Chisora’s retirement fight is still up in the air, after he was due to share a card with rising star Moses Itauma, who has now been scheduled to headline against Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on 24 January.

Wilder last fought in June, stopping Tyrrell Anthony Herndon to snap a two-fight losing streak; in 2024, the “Bronze Bomber” was stopped by Zhilei Zhang, following a decision defeat by Parker in 2023.