Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder fight hurdle cleared as breakthrough made over title defence

Oleksandr Usyk has been given permission by the WBC to make a voluntary world title defence against Deontay Wilder.

Usyk became undisputed heavyweight world champion for the second time with a stunning KO of Daniel Dubois in July.

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He was ordered to next defend his WBO title against Fabio Wardley, but then elected to vacate the belt for ‘business reasons’.

In a huge surprise, the Ukrainian suggested that his priority was now a showdown with American heavyweight Deontay Wilder.

Wilder’s team have since confirmed that they are open to the bout, and it appears that the mutual interest could formalise in 2026.

There are several hurdles that are believed to be in the way of the bout materialising including obtaining permission from the governing bodies.

But WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has now revealed that Usyk has filed a petition which has been granted.

He told Sky Sports: “Deontay Wilder is ranked No.8. or No.9 so he’s eligible to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if they wish to do so.

“Usyk did petition for a voluntary defence which was granted today.”

Usyk will now likely have to gain permission with the WBA and IBF to get the deal over the line.

The IBF next in line is set to be decided by an imminent eliminator between Richard Torrez Jr and Frank Sanchez.

Meanwhile Kubrat Pulev currently holds the WBA ‘regular’ belt but will first defend his title against Murat Gassiev before the end of the year.

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Why does Usyk want to face Wilder over any other challenger?

Usyk has made it clear that he hasn’t got much time left at the peak of his powers.

And the Ukrainian has already beaten some of the best operators in his path in the division including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

For that reason, he is seeking a showdown with the most lucrative potential.

Ultimately, he is confident that there would be more commercial interest in seeing him face Wilder, than a clash with the dangerous puncher Wardley.

He suggested: “I want a fight with Deontay Wilder, 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. Now, I only have one person [in my mind], and that is Deontay.”