Oleksandr Usyk is likely to fight Deontay Wilder next, according to Eddie Hearn, who believes the former undisputed heavyweight champion is chasing one final lucrative payday after vacating his world titles.
Usyk vacated the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles last week, leaving Agit Kabayel as the new WBC champion while opening the door for multiple title fights.
“He’s earned the right to do whatever he wants,” said Hearn. “He’s going to fight Wilder next, I believe.
“He’ll just go to all bidders, and he’ll say, ‘Where’s the most amount of money I can get for that fight?’ and that’ll be him done.”
Asked why Usyk chose to vacate instead of facing newly elevated WBC champion Agit Kabayel, Hearn suggested the 39-year-old may simply be finished with mandatory obligations.
“I think maybe he’s realizing, does he want to be put under pressure of an order of a fight, a 28-day negotiation, and then a purse bid? Does he want to go to Germany and fight Kabayel? Is he slipping? I don’t know. But I think he’s earned the right to do whatever he wants.”
Hearn later explained why Wilder makes more sense than a rematch with Rico Verhoeven now that the heavyweight titles are vacant.
“I think he would just go for the best deal, really. He has said for a while he would like to include Wilder in his resume,” Hearn said.
He said that without a world championship at stake, a second fight with Verhoeven loses one of its biggest selling points, while a clash with Wilder remains attractive regardless of titles. Hearn also believes Usyk’s decision to vacate could benefit the heavyweight division by creating opportunities for several new champions.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/28 at 7:15 PM
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