The Matchroom promoter believes Oleksandr Usyk will pursue a lucrative showdown with Deontay Wilder after vacating his heavyweight world titles
Oleksandr Usyk’s final fight could come against Deontay Wilder, according to Eddie Hearn, who believes the former undisputed heavyweight champion is now chasing the biggest available payday. Hearn says Usyk’s decision to vacate three world titles has freed him to choose his farewell opponent without mandatory obligations.
“He’s earned the right to do whatever he wants,” said Hearn. “He’s going to fight Wilder next, I believe.
“He’ll just go to all bidders, and he’ll say, ‘Where’s the most amount of money I can get for that fight?’ and that’ll be him done.”
Asked why Usyk chose to vacate instead of facing newly elevated WBC champion Agit Kabayel, Hearn suggested the 39-year-old may simply be finished with mandatory obligations.
“I think maybe he’s realizing, does he want to be put under pressure of an order of a fight, a 28-day negotiation, and then a purse bid? Does he want to go to Germany and fight Kabayel? Is he slipping? I don’t know. But I think he’s earned the right to do whatever he wants.”
Hearn later explained why Wilder makes more sense than a rematch with Rico Verhoeven now that the heavyweight titles are vacant.
“I think he would just go for the best deal, really. He has said for a while he would like to include Wilder in his resume,” Hearn said.
He said that without a world championship at stake, a second fight with Verhoeven loses one of its biggest selling points, while a clash with Wilder remains attractive regardless of titles. Hearn also believes Usyk’s decision to vacate could benefit the heavyweight division by creating opportunities for several new champions.
