Unified heavyweight champion Oleksander Usyk has identified Deontay Wilder as his potential next opponent, saying the American is his "first option" when he returns to the ring next year.
The Ukrainian, 38, stopped Britain's Daniel Dubois in London in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champ, then vacated his WBO belt, with Fabio Wardley upgraded from 'interim' to full WBO champion.
Usyk, who plans to fight for two more years, still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles.
"I continue fighting next year. I want to fight Deontay Wilder. I think it's interesting," he told Boxing King Media.
Wilder, a former WBC world champion and once the division's most feared puncher, has struggled since his trilogy with Tyson Fury.
The 40-year-old has seen his career hit a few more bumps in the road, including consecutive losses to Joseph Parker in 2023 and Zhilei Zhang last year. Wilder was away from the ring for more than a year, then defeated Tyrrell Anthony Herndon via TKO in June.
"He is a world champion guy. A very famous and strong guy," Usyk said of Wilder. "One of the great heavyweights of the last 10 years. I spoke with my team and said he is the first option."
Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury trilogy fight - in pictures
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WBC champion Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder in the 11th round of their incredible heavyweight title fight in Las Vegas in October, 2021. EPA -
Tyson Fury on his way to the ring for his WBC heavyweight title fight with Deontay Wilder at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on October 9, 2021. AFP -
Deontay Wilder makes his entrance before the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder prepare to fight. Reuters -
Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in round one. Reuters -
Tyson Fury on the front foot. Reuters -
Tyson Fury lands a punch on US challenger Deontay Wilder. AFP -
Tyson Fury on the attack. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is knocked down by Tyson Fury in the third round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury knocks down Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder knocks down Tyson Fury in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury reacts after being knocked down by Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gets up after he was knocked down twice in the fourth round. AP -
Tyson Fury was in big trouble in the fourth round. Reuters -
Tyson Fury receives attention in his corner. Reuters -
Tyson Fury fights back against Deontay Wilder. EPA -
Deontay Wilder goes down on one knee as the referee holds back Tyson Fury during round six. AFP -
Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder in an incredible fight. Reuters -
The action continued at a frenetic pace as Fury started to edge ahead on the scorecards. AP -
Deontay Wilder swings at Tyson Fury as the battle continuedn into round nine. AP -
Tyson Fury raises his arms after knocking down Wilder in the tenth round - but that wasn't the end. Reuters -
Deontay Wilder is given the count in round ten. Reuters -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury knocks out US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
What a fight! Tyson Fury knocks out Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury KOs Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury starts his celebrations. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after his victory against US challenger Deontay Wilder in the 11th round. AFP -
Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Deontay Wilder to retain his title. AP -
Tyson Fury after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury's team celebrate. Reuters -
Tyson Fury gives an interview after the fight. Reuters -
Tyson Fury celebrates with his wife Paris. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward, wife, Paris and team during a press conference after Fury won the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, trainer SugarHill Steward and commentator, Crystina Poncher. Reuters -
Tyson Fury during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder, as promoter Bob Arum looks on. Reuters -
Promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren. Reuters -
Tyson Fury poses for a photograph with promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum. Reuters -
Tyson Fury and trainer SugarHill Steward with the belts during a press conference. Reuters -
Tyson Fury speaks on his phone during a press conference after winning the fight against Deontay Wilder. Reuters
Wilder's co-manager Shelly Finkel said they are open to discussion with Usyk's team as Wilder plots a path back to heavyweight gold 10 years after he first became WBC champion by dethroning Bermane Stiverne.
"Usyk is a great champion," Finkel told Sky Sports. "We have plans for next year and we'd like Oleksandr Usyk to be part of them.
"If we receive the right offer, we would be open to that fight."
Usyk, a former undisputed champion at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight, is unbeaten in 24 professional bouts (15 KOs), while Alabama native Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) has 20 first-round knockouts on his CV.
Usyk – who has twice beaten Fury, Dubois and Anthony Joshua – has previously said he plans to fight for only two more years, aiming to return to the ring in 2026.
The Olympic gold medalist became boxing's first undisputed champion in 25 years when he beat Fury via split decision in May 2024.
