Oleksandr Usyk may already be laying the groundwork for criticism likely to follow his next bout. By publicly describing Deontay Wilder as one of the heavyweight division’s leading fighters over the last decade, the undisputed champion appears to be defending a potential opponent many fans no longer view as top tier.
Usyk praised Wilder while discussing the former WBC champion, making it clear he still considers the American a legitimate threat.
“This is a man who in the last 10 years has been a top fighter. He’s a dangerous guy,” said Usyk to All Out Boxing about Deontay.
The timing of those comments is difficult to overlook. Wilder has emerged as a leading candidate to face Usyk, though the reaction remains mixed. While Wilder remains one of the sport’s biggest punchers, recent results have left many questioning whether he still belongs alongside the elite.
Usyk is making the opposite case. Instead of focusing on Wilder’s defeats, he highlighted the body of work that established him among the longest-reigning heavyweight champions. That argument also helps justify the matchup if negotiations move forward.
The undisputed champion may need that rationale because choosing Wilder is unlikely to satisfy fans who want to see him share the ring with younger contenders. A fight against Moses Itauma would generate far more excitement because of the unbeaten Briton’s rapid rise, while Frank Sanchez has strengthened his own claim with victories over established heavyweights. Those names present fresher challenges than a 40-year-old Wilder whose best years appear to be behind him.
Usyk has never shown much interest in those alternatives. Instead, his public comments suggest Wilder is among the opponents he believes still carries enough credibility to justify a championship fight. That helps explain why he chose to emphasize Wilder’s accomplishments instead of the setbacks that have created doubts about where the former WBC champion belongs in today’s heavyweight picture.
None of that erases Wilder’s accomplishments. He ruled as WBC champion for five years, defending the belt 10 times before losing it to Tyson Fury. He also remains capable of ending any fight with one right hand.
The bigger issue is timing. Usyk’s comments suggest he knows what fans will say if Wilder becomes his opponent. By defending Wilder’s credentials before contracts are signed, Usyk appears to be making the case that his next fight deserves more respect than many fans are prepared to give it.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/29 at 5:18 PM
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