Usyk’s Team Rules Out Jake Paul Fight, Sets Sights on a New MMA Target.

Usyk Shifts MMA Priorities

According to Novyny.live: Oleksandr Usyk’s camp has dismissed the idea of a mixed martial arts bout against Jake Paul. Instead, they are open to a matchup with former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Usyk remains the unified world heavyweight boxing champion, holding the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, and continues to dominate the sport.

The Ukrainian boxer has an unblemished record of 24 wins in 24 professional fights, with 15 of those victories coming by knockout. His potential opponent, Jake Paul, has fought 14 times in professional boxing, winning 12 and losing 2. Usyk’s team made it clear that an MMA fight with Paul is not under consideration at this stage. According to Serhiy Lapin, a representative for Usyk, the athlete’s priorities have shifted.

Future Plans

A fight between Usyk and Rico Verhoeven is scheduled for May in Egypt. This bout marks a significant step for Usyk as he aims to solidify his standing on the global boxing stage while also exploring potential matchups with other elite athletes, such as Jon Jones.

Though Usyk’s primary focus remains on boxing, he is showing a clear desire to broaden his horizons by considering fights with notable figures from other combat sports. The pivot toward a potential clash with Jon Jones underscores his ambition to elevate his international profile. This trend reflects the growing appeal of crossover fights, which are becoming increasingly popular in the world of competitive sports.