Deontay Wilder believes he has what it takes to become the first man to knock out Oleksandr Usyk.
The heavyweight titans could be set to share the ring together in 2026 after both men expressed interest in locking horns in the not-so-distant future.
Usyk initially called out Wilder after relinquishing his WBO heavyweight title last month.
‘The Bronze Bomber’s’ manager, Shelly Finkel, then stated that they would be happy to factor Usyk into their plans for next year.
“Usyk is a great champion,” Finkel told Sky Sports.
“We have plans for next year, and we’d like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them.
“If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight.”
How Deontay Wilder believes he can knock out Oleksandr Usyk
It seems Usyk isn’t just a cash-out option for Wilder, either, as the American has already laid out exactly how he believes he can beat the undefeated star.
“[I will need to use] jabs, using lateral movement and doing what I do best – coming with the right hand,” said Wilder during an interview with Fight Hub TV ahead of his bout with Zhilei Zhang last year.
“I feel like, if I connect with anyone, with the right hand, it is going to be devastating. It will be a knockout.
“So, I would have to strategise to get him, but one thing about it is that he is a southpaw and I love southpaws.
“I am always coming to give people what they want to see as a heavyweight, and that’s the knockout.”
Oleksandr Usyk vs Deontay Wilder has major obstacle cleared
The fight has received the green light from the WBC, with the organisation’s president, Mauricio Sulaiman, revealing that the Championship Committee had granted a petition filed by Usyk.
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.”
The IBF also wouldn’t take any issue with Usyk boxing Wilder next.
A spokesperson told the same publication: “The IBF is not next in the rotation.
“It would only become an issue for us if he were due to make a mandatory defence of his IBF title.”
Usyk will now wait to receive the same blessing from the WBA.
