Oleksandr Usyk granted voluntary WBC heavyweight title defence with Deontay Wilder eligible to problem for belt

Oleksandr Usyk will likely be permitted to make a voluntary defence of his WBC heavyweight world championship and that might be in opposition to Deontay Wilder.

Usyk is undefeated however not the undisputed heavyweight world champion after vacating the WBO championship that he is held since 2021 when he first defeated Anthony Joshua.

However the Ukrainian star stays the unified WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion and has sought permission to make a voluntary defence of the WBC belt. On Wednesday the WBC allowed that request.

Wilder, America’s most high-profile heavyweight, held the WBC title from 2015 to 2020, when he first misplaced to Tyson Fury. He wasn’t capable of win again the belt of their third battle and lately has been defeated by each Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.

He got here again with a win over Tyrell Anthony Herndon in June and now Wilder has been ranked within the WBC’s prime 10, Usyk may defend that title in opposition to him.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman instructed Sky Sports activities: “Deontay Wilder is ranked No 8 or 9 so he’s eligible to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if they wish to do so. Usyk did petition for a voluntary defence which was granted today.”

Serhii Lapin, the chief govt of Staff Usyk, defined why preventing Wilder, even at this superior stage of the American’s profession, appeals to the heavyweight world champion.

Lapin instructed Able to Combat: “Wilder is a huge name to add to Usyk’s record. He’s one of the most dangerous punchers of his generation, a former world champion, and a fighter known throughout the boxing world.

“Beating a person like that strengthens Usyk’s legacy and closes one other essential chapter in heavyweight historical past.

“This isn’t just a fight. It’s an event that draws massive attention from fans, the media and the entire industry.”