Undisputed heavyweight star Oleksandr Usyk has officially been given permission to make a voluntary defence of his WBC heavyweight title, opening the door for a blockbuster showdown with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Usyk, who recently expressed that Wilder was his “first option” for his next bout, now has a clear path to pursue the matchup despite Wilder not being ranked in the top 10 by the WBA, WBC or IBF.

WBC Allows Flexibility for Usyk–Wilder Clash

During the WBC’s annual convention, the sanctioning body confirmed it would not immediately enforce a mandatory challenger for Usyk, giving him the freedom to negotiate a high-profile voluntary defence.

In a statement, the organisation said:
“Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk can make a voluntary defence. He’s already said he would like to fight Deontay Wilder.”

This decision means Usyk can keep his WBC belt while pursuing what could be one of the most commercially exciting fights in the division.

Usyk’s Current Championship Status

Usyk became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion after stopping Daniel Dubois in July. However, the 38-year-old recently relinquished his WBO title, which elevated Britain’s Fabio Wardley to champion status.

Usyk informed the WBO he would not proceed with a mandatory defence against Wardley, choosing instead to prioritise other opponents.
He remains the reigning WBA, IBF, and WBC heavyweight champion.

What Comes Next in the Heavyweight Division

The next WBC mandatory challenger will be decided by a potential matchup between British fighters Lawrence Okolie and Moses Itauma. Both fighters have upcoming bouts:

• Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin — 24 January, Manchester
• Lawrence Okolie — set to fight later this month in Nigeria against an opponent yet to be confirmed

The winner of an Okolie–Itauma showdown would earn the right to challenge for Usyk’s WBC belt — assuming Usyk still holds it after a potential fight with Wilder.

British Fighters Rising in World Title Contention

Several British boxers stand on the edge of world championship opportunities:

• A possible Joshua Buatsi vs Ben Whittaker fight is expected to determine the next WBC mandatory challenger at light heavyweight
• Conor Benn has been named the number one challenger for Mario Barrios’ WBC welterweight title

Crawford Stripped of WBC Super-Middleweight Title

In an unexpected development, the WBC announced that Terence Crawford has been stripped of his super-middleweight belt, citing unpaid sanctioning fees.
The organisation described the lack of payment as a “slap in the face.”

Crawford still holds the WBA ‘Super’, WBO, and IBF super-middleweight titles, meaning he remains one of the most decorated fighters in the division.