Oleksandr Usyk’s long-time promoter Alexander Krassyuk has ruled out a future showdown with Deontay Wilder unless the American brings something meaningful to the table.
Despite Usyk holding all four heavyweight titles, Krassyuk believes Wilder would need leverage to entice the Ukrainian into a fight in 2026.
Krassyuk’s comments come at the same time Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, told World Boxing News that the former WBC champion is targeting Anthony Joshua or Usyk for next year after one more tune-up.
Finkel explained, “The plan is for Deontay to have another fight before the end of this year. After that, we will be looking for a big fight in 2026.
“We’d be looking at a fight with Anthony Joshua or Usyk, something like that.”
Wilder’s Unfavorable Position
In another WBN exclusive, Krassyuk was blunt when asked about Wilder’s comeback and his relevance to the current heavyweight picture.
Asked if Wilder could still land a shot at the undisputed champion, Krassyuk told WBN: “When Wilder had a belt, his name could be of interest for Usyk.
“Nowadays, I relate him to the leaving generation with AJ, Fury, Zhang, and Chisora. The new generation is already here – Parker, Itauma, Dubois, Kabayel.”
Once one of the most feared punchers in boxing, Wilder held the WBC title for five years before back-to-back defeats to Tyson Fury wrecked his momentum. A run of further losses since has only seen him slip further down the order.
Usyk’s future
Krassyuk made clear Usyk is now focused on the emerging names in the division, with the likes of Joe Parker, Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, and Agit Kabayel all featuring in the future landscape.
There’s also the possibility that Usyk could walk away, with Krassyuk previously telling WBN he hoped the champion might retire at the right moment rather than fight on too long.
Asked directly about Wilder’s recent comeback and victory over Tyrrell Herndon, Krassyuk admitted he hadn’t paid much attention.
“Did not follow,” he stated, dismissing any suggestion that Wilder is on Usyk’s radar.
Despite being firm in his stance on Wilder, Krassyuk showed gratitude for the UK supporters who continue to back Usyk.
“I want to thank English fans who’ve been giving tons of pleasant and warm words of support within the last several weeks. Your love is priceless, thank you for that.”
What’s next?
Whether Wilder has the time or desire left to claim another title remains uncertain. Usyk himself has only ever hinted at one other goal beyond the heavyweight crown — a return to cruiserweight glory.
Ironically, Wilder once spoke about dropping to 200 pounds to chase two-weight supremacy.
With bridgerweight now positioned between cruiser and heavy, a left-field clash for the 226-pound strap could, in theory, put Wilder and Usyk on a collision course.
Stranger things have happened in boxing.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.