Usyk Voluntary Defence Wilder
The WBC has approved Oleksandr Usyk to make a voluntary defence of his heavyweight title. Usyk expressed his desire to fight Deontay Wilder, and now he has the opportunity to do so without mandatory obligations. This WBC decision allows a potential world title fight between Usyk and Wilder, which Usyk recently called his “first option.”
Usyk confirmed his wish to face Wilder next. However, Wilder is not ranked in the top 10 of the WBA, WBC, or IBF, meaning Usyk may need to vacate some titles to fight him. Despite this, the WBC chose not to enforce a mandatory defence, giving Usyk the freedom to make this voluntary fight happen.
WBC Statement on Usyk’s Voluntary Defence Against Wilder
The WBC confirmed Usyk’s right to pursue a voluntary defence, stating, “Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk can make a voluntary defence. He’s already said he would like to fight Deontay Wilder.” This decision gives Usyk the flexibility to fight Wilder without risking his WBC title or being forced into a mandatory defence.
Read Also
Saints Edge Thriller After Gloucester Fightback
Norris-Piastri Incident Threatens to Derail McLaren Harmony
Usyk’s Recent Fights and Title Changes
In July, Usyk stopped Daniel Dubois in round five to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. In November, Usyk relinquished his WBO title, making Fabio Wardley the new heavyweight champion. Usyk informed the WBO that he would not defend his title against Wardley.
Usyk still holds the WBA, IBF, and WBC heavyweight titles. The WBC’s decision to allow a voluntary defence opens the door for a potential title fight with Wilder, one of the most exciting matchups in heavyweight boxing.
WBC Announces Process for Mandatory Challenger
The WBC revealed that the next mandatory challenger for their heavyweight belt will come from a potential fight between Lawrence Okolie and Moses Itauma. Itauma will face Jermaine Franklin in Manchester on January 24, while Okolie is scheduled for a fight in Nigeria later this month.
Other British fighters, like Joshua Buatsi and Ben Whittaker, could also earn title shots. A potential match between them may decide the next mandatory challenger in the light heavyweight division. Additionally, Conor Benn is the number one challenger for Mario Barrios’ WBC welterweight title.
