WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman reiterated that Deontay Wilder is “welcome” to fight for Alexander Usyk’s WBC title amid speculation about the fight announcement.
Usyk is reportedly set to defend his WBC, IBF and WBA heavyweight belts against Wilder in his first title defense since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley in July.
Suleiman granted Usyk’s request to make a voluntary title defense against one of the WBC’s top 15 contenders, with Wilder currently ranked 13th.
“We absolutely hope to see him in the ring again,” Suleiman said Ski Sports.
“He asked the VBC to make a voluntary defense which was granted and we await details of his upcoming fight.”
“Deontay Wilder was champion for five years in the WBC, he’s a huge force, he’s got a lot of punching power. He’s ranked by the WBC, so he’s absolutely eligible and welcome to fight Usyk in a voluntary title defense.”
Usyk has confirmed he wants to face Wilder in America, in his first fight in the US since 2019, and believes the fight will cement his legacy.
Wilder had a long reign as WBC champion before losing the belt in a rematch loss to Tyson Fury in 2020.
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While speaking with IBA Boxing at the IBA Pro 13 in Dubai, Deontay Wilder provides a major update on a potential fight between himself and Alexander Usyk.
Speaking of Ready to fight Usyk said: “First of all, it’s the USA – I want to box in America.”
“Secondly, Wilder has been at the top for the last 10 years. This is about sporting interest.
“The ‘big three’ included Joshua, Fury and Wilder. I beat Joshua twice, I beat Fury twice, and there is one undefeated – Wilder.”