Oleksandr Usyk's anticipated farewell fight is shaping up with two potential opponents in consideration: Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones. The bout is expected to take place later in 2026.
Reports surfaced on June 29 that Oleksandr Usyk is planning a farewell fight later in 2026, with two names circulating as potential opponents: Deontay Wilder and Jon Jones. The story has not been officially confirmed by any of the parties involved.
Usyk, 39, enters any such negotiation as one of the most accomplished heavyweights in boxing history. The Ukrainian southpaw stands six-foot-three with a 78-inch reach and carries a perfect 24-0-0 professional record. Known as "The Cat," he trains out of the Ready To Fight camp and has long been regarded for his movement and technical precision.
Jon Jones, the other name being linked to a potential crossover matchup, is a 38-year-old orthodox fighter who competes at heavyweight in the UFC. "Bones" stands six-foot-four with an extraordinary 84-inch reach — 213 centimeters — and holds a 28-1-0 professional MMA record. He lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate and adds 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a well-rounded threat profile across both range and grappling.
Why it matters
- Usyk's undefeated record and heavyweight status mean his retirement bout carries enormous weight in the division regardless of opponent
- A Jones crossover would mark one of the highest-profile boxing-versus-MMA events in combat sports history
- Wilder's inclusion as an alternative option suggests negotiations remain fluid and no direction has been locked in
- The bout's outcome, whenever and however it materialises, would have implications beyond either sport given the profiles involved
