{"id":804501,"date":"2026-10-16T13:18:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/804501\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T13:18:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:18:09","slug":"usyk-targeting-two-opponents-including-unbeaten-world-champion-after-deontay-wilder-talks-collapse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/804501\/","title":{"rendered":"Usyk targeting two opponents including unbeaten world champion after Deontay Wilder talks collapse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oleksandr Usyk<\/a> has reportedly named his two-man hit list following the collapse of a proposed showdown with Deontay Wilder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After a tougher-than-expected 11th-round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven in May<\/a>, the Ukrainian vacated his three world titles and announced he would be entering just one more fight.<\/p>\n

He was then heavily linked to a stateside encounter with Wilder, who is coming off a split decision victory over Derek Chisora<\/a> in April.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, though, the two heavyweights went their separate ways and, in a surprising turn of events, Wilder was linked to a bout against cruiserweight Jai Opetaia on December 11<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The pair were reportedly in talks to collide on the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard, with former two-time world cruiserweight champion Opetaia set to make his heavyweight debut. However, since that news broke Wilder has also been linked to a potential clash against Verhoeven, a fight the former kickboxer has already accepted<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As for Usyk, it would seem, according to Ring Magazine\u2019s Mike Coppinger, that he is now entertaining a trilogy match with Fury.<\/p>\n

The masterful southpaw won their two encounters in 2024, but is reportedly willing to gamble his unbeaten record and face the \u2018Gypsy King\u2019 once again.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Coppinger has taken to social media and suggested that the 39-year-old is open to a clash with unbeaten WBO and WBA cruiserweight champion David Benavidez<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a good reason Oleksandr Usyk vacated his [three] heavyweight titles, and that\u2019s because he is big-game hunting as he enters his age-41 campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cA trilogy with Tyson Fury (if he beats AJ) and David Benavidez are seen as viable options for the [Ring Magazine] heavyweight champ.\u201d<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a good reason Oleksandr Usyk vacated his four heavyweight titles, and that\u2019s because he is big-game hunting as he enters his age-41 campaign. A trilogy with Tyson Fury (if he beats AJ) and David Benavidez are seen as viable options for the @ringmagazine<\/a> heavyweight champ. pic.twitter.com\/Mt1Zb6JQGr<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) October 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

While he is set to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5, Benavidez has repeatedly expressed his desire to join the heavyweight division and test himself against Usyk.<\/p>\n