At the end of June 2026, Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) officially vacated his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, keeping only The Ring belt. He explicitly stated that this was done for his “last dance” — one final bout after which he will most likely retire. He is currently 39 years old (turning 40 in January 2027) and wants to hold this fight in the US, preferably in a major stadium (New York or Las Vegas). His team (Sergey Lapin) and Usyk himself have repeatedly emphasized that their priority is a commercially massive opponent rather than a mandatory contender.
The Main Favorite: Deontay Wilder This is the most likely scenario, with an estimated probability of around 60–65%. Why:
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Usyk has personally stated multiple times that he wants to face “The Bronze Bomber.”
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Eddie Hearn publicly confirmed: “He’s going to fight Wilder. That’s the fight he wants.”
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Negotiations with Wilder’s team and Zuffa Boxing (Dana White) have been ongoing for several months. Lapin confirmed in August 2026 that dialogue is continuing.
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Wilder (following his victory over Chisora) still carries huge name recognition in the US, devastating power, and a built-in narrative — making him the ideal commercial finale for Usyk, who has never fought on a mega-stage in the States.
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Sportingly, it isn’t the most dangerous fight for Usyk (Wilder is no longer the fighter he was in 2018–2019), but in terms of entertainment value and revenue, it’s one of the best options available.
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If the fight comes together, it will take place either in December 2026 or February–March 2027.
Other Options
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Rematch with Rico Verhoeven — possible, but unlikely for a “last dance.” Following the controversial 11th-round knockout in Giza, there is interest in a rematch, particularly in the Netherlands and Europe, but Usyk and his team clearly want a higher-profile American blockbuster.
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Trilogy with Tyson Fury — virtually closed. Lapin explicitly stated that the Fury chapter is over: Usyk has already beaten him twice, so there is little point.
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Agit Kabayel — the WBC mandatory contender whom Usyk bypassed by vacating his titles. Sportingly the most deserving, but commercially weak. Highly unlikely.
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Jon Jones (crossover) — serious discussions took place around June–July, but by August, Lapin had ruled out this option.
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Moses Itauma / winner of Dubois vs. Wardley — far too early for a farewell fight. Usyk won’t risk his reputation against a young, hungry knockout artist at the very end of his career.
What is the Forecast? With a high degree of probability, Usyk’s final opponent will be Deontay Wilder. This is a classic “farewell” script for a great champion: a major market (US), a massive name, a huge payday, and a relatively manageable risk. Usyk has already achieved everything possible in the division (two-time undisputed champion, victories over Fury, Joshua, and Dubois). Now he isn’t picking the toughest opponent, but the right one from a legacy and financial perspective. If negotiations with Wilder fall through (as often happens in boxing), a fight with Verhoeven or another media-driven event remains possible. As of today, however, all signs point to Wilder. Usyk is one of the smartest fighters of his generation. He won’t gamble his undefeated record on a meaningless fight. His final bout will be iconic, exciting, and extremely lucrative.
