Oleksandr Usyk confirms “last dance” against Wilder or Fury
Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk, the reigning Ukrainian boxing champion, has revealed plans for his much-anticipated Oleksandr Usyk final fight, a “last dance” before retiring from the sport. The 39-year-old is considering only two top contenders for this swansong: American knockout artist Deontay Leshun Wilder or Britain’s Tyson Luke Fury.
This career finale is slated for December at the earliest, with Usyk envisioning a grand spectacle in a major US stadium. The announcement follows his recent decision to vacate several world heavyweight titles, signaling a shift in focus towards a definitive farewell bout.
Usyk’s historic journey to boxing’s summit
Usyk’s rise through the boxing ranks has been extraordinary. He first became the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018, unifying the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles by defeating Murat Gassiev in Moscow. This victory also secured him the Muhammad Ali Trophy and The Ring magazine cruiserweight title.
His successful transition to the heavyweight division saw him become unified champion in 2021, then a two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion in 2024 and 2025. This made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions since Evander Holyfield.
Key moments shaping a legendary career
With an impressive professional record of 25 wins and no losses, including 16 knockouts, Usyk has consistently proven his technical prowess. His agility and quick footwork have earned him the nickname “The Cat.” His most recent bout in May 2026 resulted in a late stoppage victory over former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, where Usyk retained his WBC world heavyweight title.
The performance against Verhoeven was described in reports as “underwhelming,” a factor that appears to have reinforced Usyk’s conviction that it’s time to conclude his career. He vacated his WBA, IBF, and WBC heavyweight titles in June 2026, a move he called a “well-considered decision” to “open new opportunities.”
The “last dance” vision: a grand US spectacle
Speaking with Daily Mail Boxing, Usyk shared his ambitious vision for his final professional appearance. He intends for his “last dance” to happen in the United States, potentially in New York, and definitely within a large stadium. This choice highlights his desire for a memorable and high-profile exit from the sport.
He’s adamant about facing a “big name,” an opponent whose stature can elevate the event into a truly historic occasion. Usyk isn’t just seeking another win; he wants to solidify his legacy with one final, major challenge that resonates globally. He stated, “‘Last Dance’ is [going to be in the] U.S.A.
maybe in New York, [in a] stadium. It’s [going to be against] a big name.”
Wilder emerges as likely opponent for Usyk’s swansong
While both Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder are on Usyk’s shortlist, recent developments point to Wilder as the more probable opponent. Usyk has indicated his final fight won’t take place until December at the earliest. Fury is expected to fight Anthony Joshua prior to that, potentially clearing the path for Wilder.
Reports also suggest Usyk and “The Bronze Bomber” could contend for the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight world title. Usyk did not confirm or deny these rumors, emphasizing his focus on training. He simply stated, “Big names are ‘Greedy Belly’ [Tyson Fury] and Deontay Wilder. We work about this.”
Deontay Wilder: a formidable heavyweight challenger
Deontay Leshun Wilder, known as “The Bronze Bomber,” brings significant power to the heavyweight division. The 40-year-old American held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020, becoming the first American world heavyweight champion in eight years. He earned his nickname after winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Wilder’s professional record stands at 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, as of July 2026. A clash against him promises an explosive encounter, precisely the type of high-stakes contest Usyk seeks for his retirement bout. You can read more about Usyk’s previous fight in our report on Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven scorecards.
Tyson Fury: a tantalizing alternative for Usyk
Despite Wilder appearing to be the frontrunner, Tyson Luke Fury remains a compelling option for Usyk’s final fight. The 37-year-old “Gypsy King” boasts an impressive career, holding multiple world heavyweight championships, including unified titles from 2015 to 2016 and the WBC title from 2020 to 2024.
Fury’s professional record currently stands at 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, as of July 2026. Usyk’s previous historic win over Fury saw the Ukrainian become the first to simultaneously hold all recognized heavyweight world titles in the four-belt era. While not a trilogy, another contest between these two titans would undoubtedly be a massive draw.
Implications for the heavyweight landscape
Usyk’s decision to vacate his IBF, WBA, and WBC heavyweight titles in June 2026 has sent ripples through the division. This strategic move, which he described as opening “new opportunities,” clears the way for other contenders to vie for vacant titles. It also underscores Usyk’s focus on personal legacy over continuous title defense at this stage.
His statement, “This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead,” suggests a deliberate plan. His final fight aims for one last iconic moment against a respected, high-profile opponent, rather than merely holding onto belts. This sets up a scramble for the vacated titles, offering clear paths for new champions while Usyk prepares for his grand farewell.
Usyk’s unwavering focus on the craft
Despite ongoing negotiations and public speculation, Usyk remains intensely dedicated to his training. He emphasized that his mind is on physical preparation, not the intricacies of fight promotion. “I cannot say about this [whether I will fight under the Zuffa banner] because now my team work about my next fight,” Usyk explained.
He detailed his priorities: “Now, I [do] not think about boxing. I think about training for boxing; cardio? Of course. Cross-fight? Of course. Swimming pool? No. Sauna? Yes. Rest, time with my family, with my child.” This commitment reflects a veteran’s understanding that ultimate success comes from disciplined preparation, a hallmark of his illustrious career as “The Cat.”