Oleksandr Usyk tipped to face Deontay Wilder in last dance

The 39-year-old has a huge decision to make.

Oleksandr Usyk announced on Friday that he had vacated his heavyweight world titles, bringing an end to his reign at the top of the division.

But the Ukrainian superstar was quick to insist his career is far from over, confirming he still has one last dance left before calling time on his remarkable journey.

With attention immediately turning to who could share the ring with Usyk in his farewell bout, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn offered his prediction for the opponent he believes will get the call.

During the Boots-Zayas post-fight press conference this weekend, Hearn said: “I mean, I think he’ll just go for the best deal, really.

“He has said for a while he would like to include Wilder in his resume.

“I was quite surprised, I thought he would [rematch] Rico, but then I thought to myself…

“Whatever fight Usyk’s in next is not a world heavyweight championship, maybe it’s a Zuffa [Boxing] belt — something like that.

“If it’s Usyk against Rico and the world heavyweight championship’s not on the line for me, part of the selling for that fight is to say if Rico wins, he becomes world heavyweight champion.

“But I think it’s good for the division because now you’re going to see another three or four champions, which will be interesting.”

Usyk has long spoken about his desire to face Deontay Wilder before retiring, and Hearn certainly believes that the former undisputed champion could get his wish.

Is Usyk likely to fight Wilder?

A showdown between Usyk and Wilder now appears the most likely outcome.

But if negotiations break down, a rematch with Rico Verhoeven is expected to become the leading alternative for the Ukrainian.

After Usyk controversially beat kickboxing legend Verhoeven in the Dutchman’s second professional boxing fight last month.

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