STWF Sports | Dec. 3, 2025 – The heavyweight landscape received a major jolt this week as undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk was officially granted permission by the WBC to make a voluntary title defense against former WBC king Deontay Wilder, clearing the first major hurdle toward a blockbuster showdown.

Usyk, who reclaimed undisputed status for a second time with his emphatic knockout victory over Daniel Dubois in July, shocked fans and pundits when he elected to vacate his WBO title rather than face mandatory challenger Fabio Wardley. Instead, the Ukrainian made clear that his focus—and preference—is an explosive matchup with Wilder.

Now, at least one sanctioning body is on board.

WBC Gives Usyk the Green Light

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed to Sky Sports that Usyk filed a formal petition to approve a voluntary defense against Wilder, and the body agreed to the request.

“Deontay Wilder is ranked No. 8 or No. 9, so he’s eligible to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if they wish to do so,” Sulaiman said. “Usyk did petition for a voluntary defense which was granted today.”

Wilder’s team has already stated publicly that they are open and willing to make the fight. While both sides appear aligned for 2026, additional hurdles remain, including obtaining permission from the WBA and IBF, both of which maintain their own order of mandatory challengers.

MANDATORIES STILL LOOM FOR USYK

Though the WBC has cleared its path, Usyk now must navigate the other two sanctioning bodies holding his belts:

• IBF: The next mandatory challenger will be determined by an eliminator between Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez, a fight expected to be announced shortly.

• WBA: Current “regular” champion Kubrat Pulev must first defend his title against former cruiserweight standout Murat Gassiev before the WBA order becomes clear.

If Usyk hopes to keep his belts intact while pursuing Wilder, he must convince both organizations to grant him special permission—something far from guaranteed.

Still, Usyk’s willingness to vacate the WBO title suggests he is prepared to drop additional belts if necessary to secure the Wilder fight.

WHY WILDER? USYK EXPLAINS HIS PRIORITY

To many boxing observers, it seemed unusual that Usyk would prioritize Wilder over mandatories like Wardley or the emerging contenders in the top 10. But for Usyk, the decision comes down to legacy, danger, and financial reward.

Usyk, now approaching the twilight of his prime years, has defeated a string of elite heavyweights including Anthony Joshua (twice) and Tyson Fury. With his résumé secured, the Ukrainian now seeks the fights that bring the greatest commercial appeal.

Wilder, he believes, offers exactly that.

“I want a fight with Deontay Wilder,” Usyk said. “For me, I think it is interesting. This is a world champion guy, this is a very famous guy, this is a strong guy. He is one of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years.”

Usyk added that at this stage of his career, he only has one name in mind:

“Now, I only have one person, and that is Deontay.”

WILDER STILL CARRIES SERIOUS DANGER

Despite recent setbacks, Wilder remains one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing history. His staggering knockout power continues to make him a marquee draw, and a matchup with Usyk—a master technician with unmatched footwork—presents one of the most intriguing stylistic clashes in modern heavyweight boxing.

Usyk’s team views Wilder as a bigger global attraction than Wardley or the mandatory challengers waiting in line. It’s a risky fight, but also the most financially rewarding available.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Though momentum is building, major obstacles remain before the fight can be finalized. The timelines of the WBA and IBF mandatories will play a crucial role, and there is no guarantee that either body will approve another voluntary defense.

Still, with the WBC’s blessing and both camps expressing interest, a massive Usyk–Wilder showdown in 2026 is closer than ever.

For now, the heavyweight division waits—and hopes—for a fight that promises high stakes, explosive action, and a rare clash between two of the era’s most compelling champions.