WBC approves Usyk vs Wilder bout: Key details revealed
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk will be allowed to make a voluntary title defense against former champion Deontay Wilder, with negotiations already underway, according to Sky Sports.
WBC's stance on the fight
According to the WBC head, the organization positively considered the request from the Ukrainian side. Sulaiman emphasized that despite losing the title several years ago, Deontay Wilder remains a legitimate contender.
Currently, the American boxer is ranked 13th in the WBC rankings, which allows him to participate in the champion's voluntary defense.
“He requested the WBC to make a voluntary defence, which was granted, and we're waiting for the details of his upcoming fight,” the WBC president said.
Why Usyk chose Wilder
Usyk previously explained his desire to face the Bronze Bomber. The Ukrainian aims to complete his run against the top stars of the modern heavyweight division.
Having defeated Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each, Usyk views Wilder as the last serious competitor from the so-called big three.
Beyond the sporting aspect, location is important for Usyk. He expressed his desire to hold the fight in the United States, where he has not boxed since 2019.
Fight negotiations are ongoing
It is currently known that the boxers’ teams are actively negotiating. Earlier, Usyk relinquished the WBO belt to avoid a mandatory defense against Fabio Wardley and to focus on bigger challenges.
For the American, this fight could be a chance to return to the top after two losses to Tyson Fury. Wilder himself described the prospects of organizing the match as very promising.
