Deontay Wilder: “I Want Him”

Introduction

In a heavyweight landscape filled with uncertainty, shifting titles, and constant negotiation drama, Oleksandr Usyk continues to shape the narrative in ways few fighters can. While the boxing world is buzzing about his recent call-out of Deontay Wilder, it appears that Wilder is not the only name on the Ukrainian superstar’s radar. According to multiple insiders close to Team Usyk, the former undisputed champion still has his sights set on one more opponent, a fighter he believes is essential to “complete his mission” in the heavyweight division.

This revelation has stunned fans, divided analysts, and sparked widespread speculation. With Wilder already being a controversial and high-risk opponent, why would Usyk pursue a second target so aggressively? And what does this mean for the future of the heavyweight division?

This article breaks down the full story — from Usyk’s motivations to the politics behind the scenes, the potential matchups, and how this mystery opponent could reshape boxing’s power structure in 2025.

Background: Usyk’s Complicated Road Through the Heavyweight Division

A Champion Who Refuses to Slow Down

Even after achieving the near-impossible by dethroning Anthony Joshua — twice — and briefly becoming the undisputed heavyweight king, Usyk has shown no interest in coasting on past glory. He is widely regarded as one of the most disciplined fighters in the world, and observers often emphasize his obsession with constant improvement.

While many expected him to chase an immediate path back to the undisputed throne after losing the WBO belt to Fabio Wardley, Usyk surprised everyone by shifting his attention to higher-risk, lower-reward fights rather than easy title reclamation routes. His decision to publicly target Deontay Wilder during a recent media appearance was the first major signal that Usyk intends to take the hardest possible path — a path very few champions would dare follow.

Why Wilder Was the First Name

The call-out of Wilder immediately generated headlines because the matchup is the definition of a stylistic nightmare. Wilder, known globally for possessing one of the most devastating right hands in the history of the sport, is the ultimate equalizer. Even in fights where he is outboxed for several rounds, opponents remain in danger every second.

For a technical mastermind like Usyk, a fight with Wilder is both a challenge and an opportunity
— an opportunity to silence critics who claim he has yet to face the division’s most dangerous puncher.

But according to insiders, this is just the beginning.

The Real Bombshell: Usyk Wants One More Fighter

“I Want Him” – The Line That Changed Everything

When Usyk said, “I want him,” many assumed he was referring solely to Wilder. However, sources indicate that Usyk was actually hinting at another heavyweight, one whose name he intentionally avoided saying on camera. This strategic ambiguity has fueled widespread speculation and pushed fans into detective mode.

While Usyk has always been a respectful, soft-spoken athlete, he has shown flashes of directness — even confrontation — when discussing specific rivals. This time, that quiet intensity has resurfaced, leading analysts to believe that this “other fighter” holds deep personal or professional significance for Usyk.

Who Could the Mystery Opponent Be?

There are several realistic candidates, and each brings its own drama, history, and storyline. Let’s break them down.

Candidate 1: Tyson Fury — The Rivalry That Never Truly Ended

Unfinished Business

Even though their rivalry has been overshadowed by negotiations, delays, and business complications, Usyk vs Tyson Fury remains one of the most demanded matchups in modern boxing history. Their initial meetings inside and outside the ring left fans with more questions than answers.

Usyk has previously expressed frustration about Fury’s shifting demands and public antics. Many believe that the phrase “I want him” was a direct reference to the Gypsy King — the one man whose presence has repeatedly disrupted Usyk’s pursuit of heavyweight clarity.

A Legacy Fight

Should Usyk pursue Fury once more, it would not be about belts or rankings
— it would be about legacy. Both men have claims to being the best of their era, and a second chapter in their rivalry would be a defining moment for the entire division.

This is the most dramatic option — and arguably the most marketable.

Candidate 2: Anthony Joshua — A Trilogy That Could Rewrite History

Why Joshua Still Matters

Even after losing twice to Usyk, Anthony Joshua remains one of the biggest global stars in combat sports. Financially, a trilogy makes sense. Professionally, Joshua has rebuilt his momentum with a series of impressive victories, and his confidence appears fully restored.

Usyk, being a perfectionist, may see value in closing this rivalry with a definitive third fight — not because it is necessary, but because it would silence doubts about whether Joshua has evolved enough to challenge him.

A Fight Promoters Would Love

The storyline writes itself — triumph, revenge, personal reinvention, and two of the most marketable fighters in the sport. If Usyk is serious about sending a message to the world, a trilogy with Joshua would achieve massive reach, reactions, link clicks, and viral engagement, matching your SEO objectives perfectly.

Candidate 3: Joe Joyce — The Amateur Rivalry with Long Shadows

History That Runs Deep

Long before they were professionals, Usyk and Joe Joyce met in the World Series of Boxing, where Usyk outboxed Joyce with ease. That defeat still lingers for Joyce, and he has repeatedly expressed interest in a rematch under professional rules.

Why It Could Be Personal

Usyk has always shown pride in his amateur success. Taking on Joyce again could be a symbolic victory — a way of demonstrating that despite size disadvantages, he remains the most skilled heavyweight technician alive.

This option is the least dramatic publicly, but the most personal privately.

Candidate 4: Daniel Dubois — A Rematch with Controversy Attached

The Body Shot Debate

Their first fight generated serious controversy, with critics claiming that the body shot Dubois landed — ruled a low blow — should have been considered legal. Dubois himself has insisted the referee robbed him.

If Usyk truly wants to eliminate all doubts about his dominance, a rematch would accomplish that. It would also settle the debate that has persisted for more than a year.

Inside Usyk’s Mind: Why Target Two Dangerous Fights Instead of One?

The Psychology of a Champion

Usyk is not motivated by money or fame alone
— he has said repeatedly that he feels a responsibility to “finish what he started” at heavyweight. Many experts believe he wants to leave the sport with no unresolved rivalries, no questions, and no doubts.

He likely wants both fights — Wilder and the mystery opponent — because they represent two separate tests:

Wilder → the one-punch knockout threat

Mystery Opponent → the personal, legacy-defining challenge

A Reputation for Courage

Few heavyweights pursue such dangerous opponents back-to-back. Usyk’s willingness to do so reinforces his reputation as one of the most fearless champions of the modern era.

Promoters React: Complex Negotiations Ahead

The Business Side Is Already Moving

Reports from both European and American promotional circles indicate that talks have already begun for the Wilder fight. However, the addition of a second target may complicate the schedule.

Matchroom, Queensberry, Top Rank, and Saudi organizers are all positioning themselves to secure hosting rights. Each potential fight promises enormous global interest, especially with Usyk’s star power and the heavyweight division’s historic appeal.

Fan Reactions: A Community Divided

Shock, Excitement, and Heated Debate

Social media comments, forum threads, and boxing communities have erupting with speculation. Fan sentiment can be summarized into three categories:

Excitement — Fans thrilled by Usyk’s ambition

Concern — Fear that he is taking on too much risk

Curiosity — Endless guesses about the mystery opponent

The phrase “I want him” has become a viral meme across boxing circles, sparking fan-generated posters, fantasy matchups, and debates stretching across thousands of comments.

What Happens Next?

The Most Likely Scenario

Industry insiders predict the following sequence:

Usyk vs Deontay Wilder — Mid 2025

Usyk vs Mystery Opponent — Late 2025 or Early 2026

Both fights would reshape the heavyweight rankings and potentially set the stage for a new undisputed era.

Conclusion

Oleksandr Usyk has once again disrupted the heavyweight landscape. While the world focuses on his call-out of Deontay Wilder, the real story — the one that stunned insiders — is his intention to target another major opponent. His cryptic message, “I want him,” has set the boxing world on fire and launched the most intense wave of speculation the division has seen in years.

Whether the mystery fighter is Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, or Daniel Dubois, one thing is clear: Usyk is chasing greatness, not convenience. His willingness to pursue the most dangerous and dramatic fights cement his status as one of the most ambitious champions of the modern era.

As fans wait for official confirmation, one question remains
Will 2025 become the year Usyk takes on not one, but two of the heavyweight division’s most feared rivals?

The world is watching — and the heavyweight saga is far from over.