Get ready for an exciting chapter in the world of heavyweight boxing! The stage is set for a potential showdown between Oleksandr Usyk, the current WBC champion, and Deontay Wilder, a former champion with a powerful punch. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has given the green light for this highly anticipated match-up, leaving boxing fans on the edge of their seats.
Usyk, who recently unified the WBC, IBF, and WBA heavyweight titles by stopping Daniel Dubois, is now eyeing his first title defense against Wilder. This voluntary defense, approved by Sulaiman, will pit Usyk against one of the WBC's top 15 contenders, with Wilder currently ranked at number 13.
"Absolutely, we're eager to see him back in the ring," Sulaiman told Sky Sports. He added, "Usyk requested a voluntary defense, which we granted. We're now awaiting the details of his upcoming fight."
But here's where it gets controversial... Wilder, a former WBC champion for five years, is ranked by the WBC and therefore eligible to challenge Usyk. However, some may argue that Wilder's recent form and the length of his reign as champion could be a factor in determining the outcome of this potential fight.
Usyk, on the other hand, is confident and believes that facing Wilder in America, his first bout in the USA since 2019, would further solidify his legacy. He sees this fight as an opportunity to establish himself as the dominant force in the 'big three' of heavyweight boxing, having already defeated Joshua and Fury.
"First and foremost, it's the USA - I want to box in America. Secondly, Wilder has been at the top for the last decade. This fight is about sporting interest and legacy," Usyk said.
And this is the part most people miss... Wilder's lengthy reign as WBC champion ended in a rematch defeat to Tyson Fury in 2020. Since then, Wilder's form has been a topic of debate among boxing enthusiasts.
So, who do you think will come out on top in this potential heavyweight clash? Will Usyk continue his dominant run, or will Wilder reclaim his spot at the top? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Remember to catch all the latest boxing action and stay tuned for updates on this exciting potential fight.
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