Last updated Dec 19, 4:06am ET

One of the world’s greatest boxers is set to return to the ring in 2026. Oleksandr Usyk has been granted the opportunity to pick his next opponent to defend the WBC heavyweight title against, and the Ukrainian is keen to step into the ring with Deontay Wilder. Find the latest odds and our early picks for the potential showdown here.

Odds

Fight ResultOdds
Oleksandr Usyk 
Deontay Wilder 

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder: Tale of the Tape

UsykStatWilder
38Age40
24-0Record44-4-1
78 inReach83 in
SouthpawStanceOrthodox

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder: Event Information

StatInformation
Date & TimeTBA
VenueTBA
How to WatchTBA

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Fight Preview

There are few boxers on the planet as talented as Oleksandr Usyk, and his dominance has already seen him floor every opponent in the Cruiserweight and Heavyweight divisions. Therefore, it is little surprise that he has been given the opportunity by the WBC to pick his next opponent in 2026.

In the modern era, there have been four boxers that have been a cut above the rest. Usyk has already beaten two of those in the forms of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, and reports indicate that he will be looking to take on the fourth next year – Deontay Wilder.

Usyk’s perfect 24-0 record, and the fact that he is an undisputed champion as both Cruiserweight and Heavyweight, ensures that he will go down as one of the greatest. But, beating Wilder will ensure that there is no longer any doubt that he is the untouchable king of the heavyweights in the modern era.

The 38-year-old’s dominance showed no signs of stopping in 2025, easily beating the talented Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed champion following a fifth-round knockout. But, the challenge against Wilder would be unlike anything that he has previously faced.

Wilder has been the knockout king in the division since making his professional debut, winning 97.72% of his victorious bouts within the distance. A staggering 48% of his fights haven’t gone further than the opening round. However, the American will be on a comeback mission of his own against Usyk, having suffered defeats in four of his last six fights.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Deontay Wilder Picks

This will be an unmissable bout in the heavyweight division, and it could potentially be the final time that we see Usyk in the ring. Once again, we expect his skills to be a cut above his opponent, scoring a decisive points win against one of the most dynamic punches in the sport.  

Pick
Oleksandr Usyk via Points
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Alex Dudley
Alex Dudley

Sports Analyst and Betting Expert

Alex has over 15 years of experience in sports betting, specializing in soccer and horse racing. He uses his deep knowledge of markets and strategies to guide readers through disciplined and informed betting.

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