Oleksandr Usyk isn’t concerned with how his final opponent will affect his legacy. As speculation continues about a farewell fight against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, the Ukrainian dismissed the notion that beating a 40-year-old former champion would diminish his standing in the sport.
The former undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk was asked why Wilder remained an attractive opponent despite no longer being viewed as one of the division’s elite heavyweights.
“Listen, this is a man who for the last 10 years has been a top, top fighter, world champion. It’s dangerous guy,” Usyk said to All Out Fighting about Deontay.
The interviewer then questioned whether defeating Wilder would earn him much credit from boxing fans, many of whom believe the Alabama native is past his best. Usyk had little interest in the discussion.
“I’m not boxing for glory. For me, it’s just my life,” Usyk said.
His answer suggested legacy debates have become secondary as his career approaches its conclusion. Wilder, who turns 41 in October, has lost four of his past seven fights and is no longer viewed as the dominant heavyweight who held the WBC title for five years. His name still carries far greater recognition than contenders such as Agit Kabayel or Frank Sanchez.
A fight with Wilder would almost certainly draw criticism from fans who want to see Usyk face one of the division’s younger contenders instead. Similar questions followed his May stoppage win over kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, with many wondering why he bypassed established heavyweight challengers.
If Wilder becomes the final opponent of his career, Usyk, 39, seems content to let others argue about legacy while choosing the farewell fight he wants.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/01 at 12:46 PM
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