Oleksandr Usyk is one of the most prominent names in the world of boxing today. One of the top pound-for-pound fighters within the sweet science may potentially be making moves towards Dana White’s new boxing outfit. As Zuffa Boxing prepares for its official launch effort on January 23rd, a report regarding the prolific Ukrainian fighter having some dialogue with White has emerged.
The signing of Jai Opetaia was certainly a declarative statement for ZB’s presence on the boxing free agency market, but someone who has undisputed champion accolades in multiple divisions could shake up the landscape that much more. Many have been pointing out the lack of star power and the general lack of marketing footprint ahead of this Zuffa Boxing kickoff effort, but signing someone like Usyk would certainly bolster things in a big way.
Reports regarding these Usyk and White discussions came from the former’s team director Sergey Lapin. The rumblings of supposed contact between the two prominent figures in combat sports were relayed to talkSport, as Lapin said,
“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists. Details aren’t for the public right now. Let’s say a few doors are open, and if format, numbers and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects. Everyone has seen what [Dana White] did. He turned old MMA into the global UFC machine. His real power is packaging not just a fight, but an event. If he gets involved, the scale and attention immediately become different.”
Oleksandr Usyk is “only considering the biggest” bouts, per Lapin
Usyk was linked to some loose talks regarding a bout with former WBC champ Deontay Wilder. This was before reports began to pop up centred on a potential Wilder clash with Derek Chisora in April. As far as who could be his charge’s next in-ring adversary, Lapin quipped [via talkSport],
“We’re moving calmly and professionally. When everything is agreed, it will be announced officially. We are only considering the biggest and most logical options, fights that truly create an event, not just another name. There are several top heavyweights in the conversation, but the shortlist changes depending on belts, timing, dates, and broadcast structures. Our position is simple: if it’s a fight, it has to be a big one.”
Oleksandr Usyk has been a free agent since last June. Also, Usyk competed last July when he finished Daniel Dubois inside the distance during their massive rematch.
