Wilder Nears Rematch Opportunity Against Usyk
After his April 4 win over Derek Chisora at London’s O2 Arena, Deontay Wilder’s profile climbed. The victory followed stalled talks for a title shot at Oleksandr Usyk.
Wilder’s standing and credentials
Wilder is now inside the IBF’s top 10, ranked at No. 10. Previously he sat at No. 12 in the WBC standings.
The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native is a former WBC champion. He defended that title ten times before losing it to Tyson Fury in February 2020.
Records and recent actions
Wilder’s record stands at 45-4-1 with 43 knockouts. He chose the Chisora fight after talks to face Usyk stalled.
After his win, he publicly called for a fight with Anthony Joshua. He also landed two knockdowns in the Chisora bout and recovered from a knockdown himself.
Usyk’s plans and upcoming fights
Oleksandr Usyk owns The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight belts. His unbeaten ledger reads 24-0 with 15 knockouts.
Usyk is booked to face kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23. He has said he plans only a few more fights before retiring.
Potential opponents and routes
Usyk has expressed interest in facing Tyson Fury as a final big bout. He also listed a fight with the winner of Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois as a logical next step.
Wardley and Dubois are scheduled to meet on May 9 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. Usyk previously vacated his WBO strap on November 17 instead of facing Wardley.
How a rematch could materialize
With Fury now pursuing other targets, Wilder re-emerges as a viable opponent. Wilder’s name recognition and former title status make him attractive.
The WBO has told Filmogaz.com it is considering placing Wilder inside its top 15. The organization plans to update rankings near month’s end.
Obstacles and business logic
Usyk has stopped Dubois twice, reducing the appeal of another domestic bout for money. Promoters must weigh paydays and legacy when scheduling fights.
If Joshua moves toward Fury, Wilder could revisit a clash with Usyk. For now, Wilder is closing the gap and nears a rematch opportunity with Usyk.
- Wilder vs. Chisora: April 4, O2 Arena, London.
- Wardley vs. Dubois: May 9, Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.
- Usyk vs. Verhoeven: May 23, Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
