Oleksandr Usyk has teased a potential showdown with Jake Paul, albeit with one major twist.
The Ukrainian is the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and IBO heavyweight world champion, having defended those belts in December with a second victory over Tyson Fury, and there appears to be little left for him to conquer in the boxing ring.
Usyk, who turned 38 in January, suggested earlier this year that he would have two more fights before retiring, hoping the first of those would be an undisputed bout with Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker.
The fight between those two did not materialise, as Dubois pulled out in fight week due to illness, and it remains to be seen whether Usyk now goes straight into a clash with IBF champion Dubois.
A surprise alternative has materialised, with Usyk taking to Instagram to suggest he could go head-to-head with Paul.
Usyk posted a fight poster of the two and it indicated that it would be an MMA fight, rather than a meeting in the boxing ring.
Neither Usyk or Paul have previously fought under MMA rules, but the Ukrainian’s team director Sergey Lapin recently suggested that he was considering new challenges.
“Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and creating a lasting legacy in the great sport of boxing,” Lapin told OLPG.
“But in the future, as he further solidifies his place as one of the true great fighters, we’ll see what other opportunities open up for him.
“It might be great to step into the cage with Jake Paul under MMA rules, it would be interesting if there is money to be made from it. Also, we never say never about fighting the dangerous Alex Pereira, possibly partnered with Dana White.”
Paul has this week called out Anthony Joshua, claiming the Briton “doesn’t have a chin” and “has no skill”. The pair then both posted on social media that they had spoken over the phone, and suggested they could fight in 2026.
The American is still on the hunt for his next opponent, with Tommy Fury also seemingly on the shortlist.
Fury beat Paul two years and the rivals shared an exchange on X earlier this week, as Fury rejected a public offer for a rematch.
Paul initially posted: “I’m offering Tommy Fury $3M to fight me in 2025. The number is $4M if he can legally get into the US. Let’s see who is ducking who.”
In response, Fury said: “Why would I agree to that when it’s less than our first fight AND I beat you. You’re deluded. You claim to be a good businessman, if you want to talk business properly, I’m there.
“But don’t throw me stupid offers you know won’t get accepted. It’s clear to see that you’re just using the money as an excuse to get away from this rematch.
“You brag about making $50M for fights but yet won’t pay up for the only real fight you have left. Showing your true colours my friend. Keep running scared. I’ll see you very soon/”
