Audley Harrison believes the Deontay Wilder who terrorized the heavyweight division is gone as the American closes in on a potential final dance with Oleksandr Usyk.

Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, Harrison backed the proposed Usyk-Wilder showdown as a fitting final fight for both former champions.

WBN understands March 2027 is being targeted, with Las Vegas currently the number-one choice to stage the fight.

Wilder kept himself in contention by defeating Derek Chisora, while Usyk has cleared the way for one final fight after relinquishing his sanctioning body heavyweight championships.

“Deontay has carried the flag for USA heavyweights for a decade, and he’s coming to the end of a great career,” Harrison exclusively told WBN.

“He gutted out the win over Chisora, so finishing with a big payday and match up makes sense. He’s not going to be excited facing an upcoming champ, and he’s not in line to get a championship fight, so this one makes sense.”

The Old Bronze Bomber Is Gone

Harrison is far less optimistic about Wilder’s chances of actually beating Usyk.

Wilder’s right hand carried him through ten successful defenses of the WBC heavyweight title and made him one of the most feared punchers of his generation.

Harrison, who lost to Wilder in one round as the Tuscaloosa puncher made his way toward becoming world champion, doesn’t believe that version of the KO artist exists anymore.

“I don’t think Wilder has the technical knowhow, or the tactical lens from his team that will give him a shot at winning,” Harrison said.

“The old Bronze Bomber has gone now, so what’s left is a gutsy former champion, looking for another dance partner to showcase what’s left.

“We saw with the Chisora fight that Wilder is still as game as they come, but the knockout power in his right hand is not there, so hopefully Usyk is talking the fight as his swan song too, and they don’t go all out.

“Many sports (football, cricket, Tennis, Golf and many more) have testimonials when the sports people retire, so why can’t boxing and the boxers have the same endings.”

Usyk and Wilder’s Legacies

Harrison also believes both men belong in the International Boxing Hall of Fame once their careers are over.

“For me, this generation has not been as technically or tactically gifted as Hall of Fame boxers from the past,” Harrison said.

“The old school boxers were taught to box and had far more skills, IQ and technical abilities.

“I do think Usyk skills and boxing IQ is a close match to champs of the past, so he will definitely make the Hall of Fame.

“Wilder, I think he will make it too (although not technically masterful) … He represented USA boxing with distinction coming up & he was destroying everyone all the way to a title, which he held for 5 years.”

Nothing has been finalized for Usyk-Wilder, although WBN understands a spring clash is on the cards and Dana White could be involved.

WBN previously reported that White was asked directly whether Usyk could finish his career under the Zuffa Boxing banner and whether Wilder could be the opponent.

“Anything is possible,” White replied to both.

For Harrison, the fight makes sense even if he believes Wilder’s most dangerous weapon has deserted him.

The old Bronze Bomber may be gone, but one last dance with Usyk could still be waiting.

Join Audley Harrison on Substack for more boxing views.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.

Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.

Anthony Joshua is finally set to take on Tyson Furyand promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a world-renowned trainer will be helping Joshua prepare for his showdown with ‘The Gypsy King’.

‘AJ’ has teamed up with Team Usyk for his last two professional contests, with Iegor Golub acting as lead trainer in back-to-back knockout wins against Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga within the last 10 months.

Despite being victorious, Joshua has been criticised for not dispatching of Paul quicker and for twice being dropped by unknown Albanian Prenga ahead of his long-awaited bout with fellow two-time heavyweight ruler Tyson Fury.

In a clip captured by Pro Boxing FansHearn has revealed that Ben Davison, a former trainer of both Fury and Joshua who he labelled as ‘one of the best in the world’, will be involved in ‘AJ’s camp for the December 11 clash which will take place in Cardiff.

“Even when Ben wasn’t his principal trainer – he was just working with him – strategically, talking all of the time, I think he respects Ben a lot. Obviously, there is probably a feeling that Ben Davison knows Tyson Fury extremely well.

“For me, I think that he is one of the best trainers in the world. I don’t know AJ’s final decision as to where he is going to locate his training camp but Ben Davison will definitely be involved in that camp and in that process.”

It is unknown whether Davison will be re-appointed as Joshua’s lead trainer in Golub’s place or if the pair will work together as part of a wider ‘AJ’ coaching unit.

Jose Benavidez Sr is the father and trainer of potential Fighter of the Year candidate, David Benavidezwho has risen the pound-for-pound rankings with his solitary outing of 2026.

Now, Benavidez Sr has given praise to another reigning world champion, believing that nobody in his division can defeat him.

Benavidez made the 25lb leap up to cruiserweight earlier this year and dethroned unified world champion, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez upon his debut in the division as he announced himself to the 200lb scene in style.

In December, Benavidez will look to add an additional cruiserweight title to his collection, expected to collide with newly-elevated WBC cruiserweight king, Michal Cieslak, in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, December 12.

Although, whilst his son is receiving credit for his efforts this year, Benavidez Sr told Fight Hub TV how impressed he was by WBC welterweight titleholder Ryan Garciawhen witnessing ‘King Ry’ halt Conor Benn inside two rounds earlier this month.

“It was spectacular. Ryan Garcia has a lot of speed, he is super fast, he has got that hook. It’s unbelievable. When Ryan focusses and stays sharp he is a very dangerous fighter in that division.

“I just don’t see nobody beating him and he brings a lot of people, so at the end of the day, the sky is the limit for him. He is doing great, I am a big fan and I think that, at this point right now, I don’t see nobody beating him.”

Like Benavidez, Garcia is also looking to compete again before the end of the calendar, eyeing up a December showdown with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.