Oleksandr Usyk’s bout with Deontay Wilder in jeopardy amid high rumors about a “special MMA crossover event”

Oleksandr Usyk was in New York last week for the Ring Awards and the Ring VI boxing event. The show was headlined by Teofimo Lopez against Shakur Stevenson. While the unified heavyweight champion was focused on boxing celebrations, his visit quietly fueled new talk about his next fight. It has now been six months since the Ukrainian star last stepped into the ring, and fans are eager for clarity.

For months, speculation pointed toward a long-awaited clash with Deontay Wilder. Wilder remains the only major heavyweight name Usyk has not faced. However, fresh comments from promoter Frank Warren suggest the situation may be shifting. Instead of a traditional boxing rival, Usyk could be heading toward a surprise crossover fight that may delay his title defenses.

Frank Warren fuels talk of an unexpected opponent

Frank Warren believes Oleksandr Usyk’s next move could take him outside standard boxing territory. Speaking during fight week events in London, Warren suggested that none of Queensberry’s heavyweight fighters are currently in line to face Usyk. This includes names like Fabio Wardley, Tyson Fury, and rising talent Moses Itauma. According to Warren, this opens the door for something very different.

He indicated there is a strong chance Usyk could take a bout against an MMA fighter. Such a decision would likely keep Usyk out of mandatory title defenses for the rest of the year. Warren hinted that several contenders would not be willing to wait around if that happens, especially with mandatory obligations already piling up.

The rumored opponent is Rico Verhoeven. He is a former GLORY heavyweight champion and has also boxed professionally in the past. Reports suggest discussions are underway for a fight in May. MMA journalist Ruben Carter has even claimed the bout is close to being finalized for May 9.

Not everyone is convinced. Eddie Hearn, who promotes Anthony Joshua, sounded unsure when asked about Verhoeven’s future. He suggested nothing has been finalized yet and left the situation open-ended.

Deontay Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel also weighed in. He believes Wilder remains the biggest name Usyk has not fought. While Wilder must first get past Derek Chisora, Finkel sees Usyk, Joshua, and Wardley as possible next targets if that happens.

The buzz intensified after Turki Alalshikh shared interest on social media in seeing Verhoeven face Usyk. Still, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said he is unaware of any real progress.





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