The 38-year-old boxing star - who recently vacated the WBO title, meaning he is no longer the undisputed heavyweight world champion - still holds the unified WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight title.

He has asked permission to make a voluntary fence of the WBC belt, and the organisation has grated his request.

WBC's president Mauricio Sulaiman has suggested Deontay Wilder could be his opponent.

He told Sky Sports: "Deontay Wilder is ranked No 8 or 9 so he's eligible to challenge Oleksandr Usyk if they wish to do so.

"Usyk did petition for a voluntary defence which was granted today."

Meanwhile, the IBF has insisted they have no problems with the idea of Usyk taking on Wilder.

A spokesperson told Sky Sports: "The IBF is not next in the rotation. It would only become an issue for us if he were due to make a mandatory defence of his IBF title."

Meanwhile, Team Usyk's chief executive Serhii Lapin has revealed Wilder would be a "huge name to add" to the boxer's record.

He told Ready to Right: "Beating a man like that strengthens Usyk's legacy and closes another important chapter in heavyweight history.

"This isn't just a fight. It's an event that draws massive attention from fans, the media and the entire industry."

A clash between Usyk and Wilder would pit two contrasting styles together, Usyk’s technical brilliance and movement against Wilder’s destructive knockout power, which produced 42 stoppages in his first 43 victories.

Wilder remains one of the division’s most explosive punchers, but recent losses to Fury and Joseph Parker, 33, have raised questions about whether he can recapture his peak form.

His win over Herndon, however, has kept him in contention for one last push towards a world title.