Oleksandr Usyk’s legendary career appears set to end with one final blockbuster, with the undefeated boxing great narrowing his farewell opponents down to a two-man short list.
Just days after vacating his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight world titles, Usyk’s team revealed the Ukrainian maestro is targeting either former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder or retired UFC superstar Jon Jones for what has been dubbed his “last dance”.
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According to a report from The Ring insider Mike Coppinger, Wilder is Usyk’s preferred opponent as the Ukrainian prepares to bring the curtain down on one of boxing’s greatest careers.
A fight with Wilder has been talked about for some time and would give Usyk the chance to finally headline in the United States.
While the American is no longer the dominant fighter he was at his peak, he remains one of the biggest names Usyk has yet to face.
Wilder is coming off a victory over Derek Chisora in April and, despite recent setbacks, is still one of the hardest punchers in boxing history.
Jones, however, would take Usyk’s farewell in a completely different direction.
The former UFC champ has never boxed professionally, but is regarded by many to be the greatest fighter in the history of MMA.
However, any bout with Usyk would first require the UFC to sign off, with Jones still under contract to the promotion.
To date, Conor McGregor is the only UFC fighter to receive permission to box professionally while under contract, doing so against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Usyk is coming off a victory over kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in May.
The 11th round stoppage was controversial, with the Dutch fighter’s team arguing later that he was saved by the bell.
Following the fight, Verhoeven’s camp lodged an appeal with the WBC, which was unsuccessful, and Usyk appears to have little interest in a rematch.
The Ukrainian, who many had expected to face Agit Kabayel next, announced last week that he would vacate his three world title belts, but said he is not retiring.
“Good day to everyone. Today is Friday, the weather is good, and it’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold — to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box,” said Usyk in a video shared on Instagram.
“My friends, I’m giving up the belts, but I’m not leaving the sport, because I still have my last dance.
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“I want to thank everyone; I respect all organisations. I want to thank everyone and say there is more to come.”
Usyk’s most iconic victories have come against British heavyweights Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, defeating each man twice during his remarkable heavyweight reign.