Invincible Ukrainian heavyweight Alexander Usyk wished everyone a Happy New Year and denied recent rumors about the termination of cooperation with Turki Al ash-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Directorate of Entertainment of Saudi Arabia. In his story, the boxer published a photo with a Saudi functionary and wrote: “Don’t lie, everything is fine here.”.

A few days ago, information appeared that Usik decided to sever ties with the Riyadh Season project and no longer plans to hold the next fight under the auspices of the Saudi promotion. According to The National, the Ukrainian team is negotiating with the American promoter about a multi-fight contract. It is expected that Usik's opponent will be former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, and the fight could take place in late April or early May 2026 in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Previously, Usik repeatedly defended his titles at Riyadh Season tournaments, including twice in Saudi Arabia in battles against Tyson Fury. The boxer's manager Egis Klimas noted that the next fight will be organized by another party from the USA.

The name of the new promoter is being kept secret for now.. Klimas emphasized that the official agreement has not yet been formalized, but he previously actively collaborated with Top Rank, promoting Eastern European boxers, including Vasily Lomachenko.

Usyk’s last fight was in July, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at the Riyadh Season show at Wembley Stadium in London.. After this, Turki Al ash-Sheikh publicly called on the Ukrainian to fight with the promising Briton Moses Itauma,.