Deontay Wilder enters talks with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk over shock fight next year

Deontay Wilder has confirmed to talkSPORT that negotiations are underway for a stunning clash with Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk became undisputed champion again after beating Daniel Dubois in July, but decided to vacate his WBO title after being ordered to face Fabio Wardley.

As a result, it gave the Ukrainian a free licence to select his next challenger, and he elected to call out American power puncher Wilder.

It came as a huge surprise to most, who expected Usyk to potentially face a leading contender or even pursue a trilogy with Tyson Fury.

Wilder has just one win under his belt since 2023 and has been urged to retire on some occasions.

But the American superstar still carries huge commercial draw, and a ferocious right hand which is arguably the most dangerous punch in the division when landed.

Both camps have confirmed there is mutual interest in getting the bout made official in 2026.

And now the ‘Bronze Bomber’ in a fresh update to talkSPORT, has confirmed they are already at the negotiating table.

“It is definitely becoming a real conversation,” Wilder told talkSPORT’s White & Jordan.

“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 [for the potential of that fight happening], and once things become clearer, that is when I can go to camp.”

It is clear that the possibility of the pair finally stepping in the ring together is growing with every breath.

Usyk will be an overwhelming favourite to get the job done given his dominance in the division, and Wilder’s significant decline in form.

But the bout could generate huge revenue and commercial interest, despite being at opposite ends of the heavyweight landscape right now.

Wilder’s reaction to Usyk’s call-out

Most of the boxing public took Usyk’s straight talking plea to face Wilder by significant surprise.

But Wilder believes the calls to face him were inevitable, given his recent blows against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

On the Usyk call-out he added: “I wasn’t surprised, I was 50/50.

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

“The power gets me less chances, and after the losses, people get brave and confident.

“It is crazy that you get more chances when you lose, when I was at the top and knocking people out, I didn’t get chances.”

Where and when could Usyk vs Wilder take place?

Wilder remained coy and refused to overcommit when pressed on the finer details of the potential fight contract during his talkSPORT interview.

Of course, the 40-year-old has huge star power and presence on US soil, and a showdown could make sense in Las Vegas, which many view the fight capital.

Previously, Wilder suggested he had signed a fight contract to return to the ring in January, but that turnaround will be far too brisk now.

It is likely a showdown could not take place until at least midway through next year, to allow time for adequate preparations.

Wilder hasn’t fought since June when he defeated journeyman Tyrrell Herndon, while Usyk is nursing an injury.