Oleksandr Usyk is likely to fight Deontay Wilder next, according to Eddie Hearn, who believes the former undisputed heavyweight champion is chasing one last lucrative payday after vacating his world titles.
Usyk vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles last week, leaving Agit Kabayel as the new WBC champion while opening the door for multiple title fights.
“He’s earned the right to do what he wants,” Hearn said. “He’s going to fight Wilder next, I believe.
“He’ll just go to all the bidders, and he’ll say, ‘Where’s the most money I can get for that fight?’ and he will finish it.”
Asked why Usyk opted to vacate instead of facing newly elevated WBC champion Agit Kabayel, Hearn suggested the 39-year-old was simply done with mandatory obligations.
“I think maybe he realizes, does he want to be pressured into an order of a fight, a 28-day negotiation, and then a purse? 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 what 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’ll really just go for the best deal. He’s been saying for a while that he wants to put Wilder on his resume,” Hearn said.
He said without a world championship on the line, a second fight with Verhoeven loses one of his biggest selling points, while a clash with Wilder remains attractive regardless of titles. Hearn also believes that Usyk’s decision to vacate could benefit the heavyweight division by creating opportunities for several new champions.
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Last updated on 06/28/2026 at 19:15
