WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Oleksandr Usyk's request for a voluntary title defense has been approved. Usyk wants to defend his WBC, IBF, and WBA belts against Deontay Wilder, his first bout since stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley last July. The fight is reportedly targeted for the United States.

Sulaiman told Sky Sports that Wilder, ranked 13th by the WBC, is eligible and welcome to challenge for the title. Wilder, a former five-year WBC champion, remains a formidable opponent with significant punching power. His last title reign ended in a 2020 rematch loss to Tyson Fury.

Usyk has stated he wants to fight Wilder in America to strengthen his legacy, marking his first U.S. bout since 2019. He views defeating Wilder as the final step against the 'big three' of the heavyweight era, having already beaten Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice. The WBC is now awaiting official fight details.