Potential Showdown: Wilder vs. Usyk
Promoter Shelly Finkel has hinted that Deontay Wilder may have a confrontation with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on the horizon, contingent upon Wilder’s performance in an upcoming bout against Derek Chisora. Set for April 4 at the O2 Arena in London, this match is crucial for Wilder, especially given past discussions that linked him to Usyk in 2022.
Wilder’s Upcoming Challenge
Initially, a fight with Usyk was anticipated for Wilder, only to have plans shift towards facing Chisora this April due to protracted negotiations.
“There were talks about a fight with Usyk, but we were already focused on Chisora,” Finkel stated.
He acknowledged the daunting nature of the upcoming battle, referring to it as a significant challenge despite his belief in Wilder’s capabilities.
“It’s a very dangerous fight, and I’m glad to be part of it,” Finkel added, hinting at the implications should Wilder falter against Chisora.
This sentiment echoes a concern that failing in this fight could derail Wilder’s aspirations for a match with Usyk.
Usyk’s Manager Weighs In
Egis Klimas, Usyk’s manager, confirmed in December that a bout against Wilder was highly probable, with initial plans targeting late April or early May. However, the path to that potential showdown now significantly relies on Wilder’s success against Chisora.
“Wilder is one of the top opponents Usyk has yet to encounter. He remains in great shape, making him an appealing fighter—and not to mention, it would take place in the United States,” Klimas emphasized.
As Usyk prepares for his voluntary title defense, the timing of any potential fight with Wilder may be redirected depending on Wilder’s performance against Chisora. For Chisora, this fight marks a significant milestone as he approaches his 50th and final career match after an unexpected victory over Otto Wallin.
