The team of Ukrainian world champion Alexander Usik is considering the option of holding his farewell bout on US soil. According to Sport RBC.UA, citing World Boxing News, the main candidate for hosting the historic showdown with former WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder is Las Vegas.
Las Vegas and T-Mobile Arena — the Likely Venue
The most likely venue for the grand boxing night is the renowned T-Mobile Arena. This was reportedly announced by Sergey Lapin, director of the Ukrainian boxer's team. At the same time, the champion's entourage emphasizes that negotiations with the promoters are ongoing, so the final details of the event are still being worked out and have not been finalized.
Negotiation Timeline and Tentative Fight Date
According to available information, the 39-year-old Usik plans to face the 40-year-old former WBC champion Wilder in March 2027. It is noted that the first attempt to agree on the showdown at the end of last year was unsuccessful, but the parties have now returned to active dialogue. Thus, the bout, which could become the Ukrainian's farewell, is at the stage of active but not yet concluded negotiations.
Both Fighters' Form Ahead of a Possible Bout
Alexander Usik successfully tested his skills in May in a fight against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, defeating his opponent by technical knockout. This victory became the Ukrainian's 25th in his professional career, 16 of them by knockout. Deontay Wilder, for his part, returned to the winning path in April, defeating the Briton Derek Chisora by split decision. The American knockout artist's record stands at 45 wins (43 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw.
Context: Recent Statements and Career Status
It was previously reported that Alexander Usik reacted to Itauma's sensational defeat and named the main lesson from his fight with Hrgovic. Overall, the discussion of a possible farewell bout in the US raises the question of the end of the career of one of Ukraine's most decorated boxers; however, as the team emphasizes, the final decision and details depend on the course of the current negotiations with the promoters.
