Deontay Wilder ‘agrees’ to join Skill Challenge stable with Oleksandr Usyk’; Devin Haney ‘to follow’

Lewis OldhamLewis Oldham16 June 2023
Deontay Wilder media day workout - May 2023

Deontay Wilder media day workout - May 2023

Heavyweight Deontay Wilder has ‘agreed promotional terms’ with Skill Challenge Promotions, who recently acquired Oleksandr Usyk, according to reports.

Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has reportedly joined Oleksandr Usyk in signing with Saudi Arabia's Skill Challenge Promotions.

Wilder has been out of the ring since beating Robert Helenius last October via a first-round knockout. This emphatic victory followed his year layoff after his trilogy bout against Tyson Fury.

'The Bronze Bomber' was previously affiliated with Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions but he stated earlier this year that he is an "open agent".

ProBox TV are now reporting that he is set to join Skill Challenge Promotion and 'his arrival is expected to be formally announced next week'.

Wilder could be followed by Devin Haney, as the undisputed lightweight champion is 'on the verge' of signing with the Saudi Arabia-based promoters.
The report claims 'those in boxing circles expected Haney to re-sign with Top Rank' so this move 'represents a significant shock'.

Following his victory over Vasily Lomachenko, Haney is expected to move up to super lightweight and he could fight Teofimo Lopez or Regis Prograis next.

Wilder meanwhile 'remains in negotiations to fight Anthony Joshua in December, and will join Badou Jack, Ziyad Almaayouf and most recently Oleksandr Usyk among the mysterious-and-ambitious organisation's stable'.

Before Wilder and Joshua face off in December, the Brit is looking to take a warm-up fight in August, with Dillian Whyte a potential opponent.

Wilder is also looking for a pre-Joshua fight and he wants to take place "no later than September".

"We got a lot of great things coming up. It's been a bit of a dilemma of what path to take, what is available and what is not," Wilder told PFL.

"There's so many different things in the fight game. This business is one of the most difficult around because it's unstructured.
"We narrowing down, and people should see me back in maybe August, no later than September."

READ MORE: Boxing schedule for 2023... Every major fight night, dates, venues and results

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