Oleksandr Usyk has two names in mind for final ever fight after vacating titles

Oleksandr Usyk could end his illustrious career by taking part in an unexpected crossover bout as he weighs up two options for his farewell fight.

Earlier this month, two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Usyk announced that he is vacating his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles ahead of what he describes as his "last dance".

The 39-year-old, who struggled to overcome kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven last month, had been lined up to face WBC interim champion and mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.

But those plans have been scrapped ahead of the final bout of his career. So, who will Usyk face before his expected retirement from the sport?

A trilogy fight with Tyson Fury has been ruled out by Sergey Lapin, the CEO of Usyk's promotional company Ready To Fight, but a contest with former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder looks to be of interest.

Speaking to Boxing King Media last year, Usyk said: "I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it's interesting. He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy."

Usyk added: "One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option."

Several months on and Wilder remains Usyk's preferred option, according to Ring Magazine, but he is also considering a match-up against former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, which would take place in late 2026 or early 2027 in the United States.

Usyk is looking at taking on Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones in the US. Image credit: Getty

Jones, who last fought in November 2024 against Stipe Miocic, has never boxed professionally. However, he recently expressed his interest in pursuing a career in the sport.

“You know what? I’ve really wanted to box," he said in May. "If I were to put all my energy into just my hands, my combinations, my punching power, I think I would really surprise a lot of people.”

Oleksandr Usyk vacating his belts is good for the division, according to Eddie Hearn

Shortly after Usyk vacated his belts, Eddie Hearn gave his take on the situation.

Asked if he was surprised at Usyk's decision to chase a fight with Wilder, Hearn told DAZN: "I mean, I think he'll just go for the best deal, really.

"He has said for a while he would like to include Wilder in his resume. I was quite surprised. I thought he would [rematch] Rico, but then I thought to myself...

"Whatever fight Usyk's in next is not a world heavyweight championship, maybe it's a Zuffa [Boxing] belt — something like that.

"If it's Usyk against Rico and the world heavyweight championship's not on the line for me, part of the selling for that fight is to say if Rico wins, he becomes world heavyweight champion.

"But I think it's good for the division because now you're going to see another three or four champions, which will be interesting," added Hearn.