Usyk refused to fight for the absolute title with a dangerous boxer from Britain

Oleksandr Usyk explained why he chose the fight with Deontay Wilder, and not the fight against Fabio Wardley for the title of absolute world champion.

According to the champion, this decision has nothing personal and is dictated exclusively by sports heritage.

The Ukrainian emphasized that history and challenges at the global level are important to him. Usyk admitted that he has long wanted to fight in the United States, and Wilder is one of the most dominant heavyweights of the last decade.

“It’s not about emotions or choosing between people. I think about legacy. I want to box in America, and Wilder is a big name in the heavyweight division,” Usyk said.

He also emphasized that after two victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, it is Wilder who remains the only representative of the so-called “big three” whom he has not yet met in the ring.

🥊’USYK EXPLAINS WHY HE CHOSE WILDER OVER WARDLEY’

Usyk dismissed the idea that the decision was personal, saying the fight was about sporting legacy and history. He explained that he wanted to box in the USA and that Wilder has been one of the dominant heavyweights of the last… pic.twitter.com/PquOG3hEVa

— Boxing King Media (@boxingkingmedia) January 19, 2026