On Air Now

Non-Stop Music

Midnight - 7:00am

Now Playing

The Chainsmokers and Coldplay

Something Just Like This

Deontay Wilder would welcome Oleksandr Usyk showdown, co-manager reveals

Deontay Wilder's co-manager, Shelly Finkel, has confirmed the former world heavyweight champion would welcome a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk is reportedly targeting a fight with Wilder after vacating his WBC, IBF and WBA belts to free him from his mandatory title commitments.

Finkel told Sky Sports: "If the terms were right, Deontay would welcome the opportunity to fight Usyk.

"Usyk is a great champion and it would be an honour to fight him."

  • Fury to fight Wach in Thailand on July 24 before AJ showdown
  • Wilder next for Oleksandr Usyk? 'Fury chapter is closed'
  • What will happen to Usyk's heavyweight world titles?

Previously Wilder told Sky Sports why he wanted to fight Usyk: "He's one of the best in the era. I do need him to accomplish what I need to accomplish.

"It can happen and it will happen. As long as I have the confidence to do what I have to do, it will happen.

"I must accomplish what I set forth in the beginning of my career."

Usyk's final world title fight was against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. Although Usyk's late stoppage victory has prompted much debate a potential rematch with Verhoeven is considered unlikely.

His team also all but ruled out a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury before the end of his career.

Sergey Lapin, the CEO of Usyk's promotional company Ready To Fight, told Sky Sports: "I don't really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice and answered every question inside the ring.

Usyk-Wilder would most likely be held in America, though Usyk does still harbour a dream of boxing one last time in his Ukrainian homeland. That has been impossible for the former Olympic and undisputed champion since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine.

"Saudi Arabia and the United States are both outstanding venues for major events. But if we're talking about a dream, it would undoubtedly be Ukraine," Lapin said.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Deontay Wilder would welcome Oleksandr Usyk showdown, co-manager reveals

More from National Sport

  • Supporting The Stags

    Mansfield 103.2 is a proud supporter of Mansfield Town Football Club - head to their website for all the latest Stags related news.

  • Send Us A Message

    Want to get in touch with our presenters or our news team? Then a great way to do it is through our website

  • The Mansfield 103.2 Business Club

    Check out our brand new business directory and if you want to join call our sales team now on 01623 646666.

  • Best Of The Best

    Brought to you by CIP Cassells, the music battle continues between John B and Watko every weekday on Mansfield 103.2. Vote for your favourite song each morning just after 8am.

News