Boxing
Oleksandr Usyk ready for Jake Paul fight... but will it take place inside a boxing ring?
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Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has called for an MMA fight with Jake Paul as he hinted that his boxing career will soon end.
Currently sidelined with an injury that has halted talks with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, Usyk appears to be reaching the final stages of his impressive boxing career.
After winning gold at the 2012 Olympics the Ukrainian has gone on to dominate professional boxing, fully unifying the cruiserweight division before going on to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 20 years.
Now 38, retirement is clearly on the mind of Usyk - but so is a fight with YouTuber-turned-fighter Paul.
Last week, Paul posted on social media his plan for the next five years, culminating in a fight with Usyk.
However, the Ukrainian did not agree with the timeline, replying with his own post: “Good plan, Jake Paul. But I’m not here for 5th place — only first.
“Soon, I'll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage. Let’s see if you’ve got the balls or just a hunger for hype.”
It is not the first time someone from Usyk’s camp has acknowledged the prospect of facing Paul in an MMA contest.
Back in August Usyk’s manager Sergey Lapin told Plejmo: “We’re not talking about a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk. No disrespect to Jake, but in MMA, the chances are more even. Jake has some experience, while Oleksandr would have to adapt quickly.”
Paul signed with the Professional Fighters League in January 2023, but is yet to make his MMA debut.
Social influencer Paul has managed his controversial presence in the world of combat sports to generate huge crowds, and more importantly for interested parties, huge purses and gates.
As such, a lucrative fight with the American is clearly enticing for Usyk.
Lapin continued: “This could become a massive show with a huge global audience. Talks are already underway, and if everything lines up, the fight could happen early next year."
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