Fans criticize Usyk’s interest in Wilder fight

Many fans want Oleksandr Usyk to face a top heavyweight in his final bout, but the Ukrainian appears increasingly interested in a farewell fight against Deontay Wilder.

Oleksandr Usyk has expressed further interest in a fight with Deontay Wilder, and has now drawn fierce criticism from fans who believe he should face a much bigger name.

Oleksandr Usyk fought his last bout in May against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. As his career is now drawing to a close, many fans are hoping for a more challenging opponent, such as Moses Itauma or the winner of the fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Nevertheless, Deontay Wilder remains an option for his final fight. Oleksandr Usyk himself said:

“Why not? If Deontay’s team wants it, I do it. Money, business… now we have two options, but what for me is good, we will take”

he told The Atlantic.

And on the one hand, the criticism is understandable. Oleksandr Usyk has achieved everything there is to achieve in boxing. A fight against Deontay Wilder wouldn’t really cap off that athletic success, since many don’t consider him a big enough opponent. According to critics, his last fight would also be a good opportunity to face the top of the heavyweight division once more. However, Deontay Wilder would likely be the easier option. He offers Oleksandr Usyk the prestige of a former WBC world champion and a lucrative event. From a sporting perspective, it would also be a relatively safer way to end his career without risking defeat. Furthermore, Deontay Wilder no longer possesses the skills that once set him apart. His powerful right hand seems to have all but disappeared due to shoulder problems, and at the age of 40, people generally wonder how much he has left in him.

That’s why Deontay Wilder probably wouldn’t be a real test of strength for Oleksandr Usyk, but why should it be? Oleksandr Usyk has already proven everything. He has fought against the absolute best in the division, and in most cases, multiple times. He has won every single time. Oleksandr Usyk has nothing left to prove, and if he doesn’t want to risk a loss as his career draws to a close, that’s completely understandable.

Personally, I don't understand the critics at all. Why should Oleksandr Usyk have to prove anything again? In my opinion, he's already proven everything and doesn't need to do so again. I would completely understand if he didn't want to take a big risk in his last fight. What do you think?