An MMA matchup between Oleksandr Usyk and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been sensationally hinted at.
Following his second victory over Tyson Fury in December, the Ukrainian, who defended his WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, indicated that he would fight in two more fights before retiring.
There have been rumors of another undisputed fight, this time against Daniel Dubois, or a bout with Joseph Parker, but the 38-year-old has produced an unexpected opponent.
On Friday, Usyk shared a picture of himself and Paul on Instagram, with the letters “MMA” displayed behind them. Although neither has ever engaged in combat under MMA regulations, Sergey Lapin, the director of the Ukrainian’s team, recently hinted that he was thinking about taking on new opponents.
In the great sport of boxing, “Usyk has always cared only about fighting the best and leaving a lasting legacy,” Lapin told OLPG. However, we’ll see what other opportunities present themselves as he further establishes himself as one of the real great fighters.
‘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.’
Oleksandr Usyk has sensationally teased an MMA bout with Youtuber-turned boxer Jake Paul
Paul, who last defeated 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November, has been linked with titans of the heavyweight division
Usyk posted a picture of himself and Paul on Instagram on Friday, with the letters “MMA” displayed behind them.
Since his devastating knockout loss to Dubois in September, Joshua has not competed.
Paul said the Briton “has no skill” and “doesn’t have a chin.” Following their phone conversation, the two suggested on social media that they might fight in 2026.
Following Dubois’ last-minute withdrawal from his bout with Parker last month, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the heavyweight division’s immediate future. Just two days before the highly anticipated fight on a stacked card in Riyadh, the 27-year-old fell ill.
Unexpectedly, this week, Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren hinted that veteran Derek Chisora, rather than Usyk, might be his next opponent.
According to him, Chisora is [an IBF requirement] on Sky Sports. Everyone knew what the fight would be for, and he had won it in his previous bout. He holds the position of “Dangerous Dan [Dubois]” because he is our man’s mandatory.
Chisora, who turned 41 in December, has lost two world title bouts to Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko.
He is not anticipated to fight in the UK again after defeating Otto Wallin, a former Joshua opponent, in a bout known as “The Last Dance” in February. He has said, though, that he would like to fight one more time, which would be his 50th professional bout.