Bille Howard
Key Highlights
- Oleksandr Usyk hints at potential bare-knuckle fight with Conor McGregor.
- Usyk’s camp suggests Jake Paul as a future opponent.
- Usyk set for heavyweight rematch with Tyson Fury in December.
- Usyk’s potential switch to MMA and upcoming career decisions.
(NicePlay Sports) – In a surprising twist in the world of combat sports, Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBO, WBA, and WBC heavyweight boxing champion, has signaled his openness to a bare-knuckle fight, specifically calling out UFC legend Conor McGregor. The Ukrainian boxing star, who made history by becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion with four belts, is scheduled to defend his titles against Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch in Saudi Arabia this December. Meanwhile, his camp has also floated the idea of a bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Usyk’s future endeavors. The potential crossover into bare-knuckle fighting or even MMA suggests that Usyk is not just content with his achievements in the boxing ring but is actively seeking new challenges and platforms to showcase his unparalleled skills.
Usyk’s Open Invitation to McGregor
In a move that could send shockwaves through the combat sports world, Oleksandr Usyk has extended an open invitation to Conor McGregor for a bare-knuckle fight. This unexpected proposition came via Usyk’s camp manager and long-time friend, Sergey Lapin, who took to Instagram to publicly reach out to the Irish MMA icon. Lapin’s message, which was also shared by Usyk on his own social media, read, ‘Hey bro, Conor McGregor! First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk.’
This bold statement underscores Usyk’s willingness to step outside the conventional boxing ring and enter the raw, unfiltered world of bare-knuckle boxing, a realm that McGregor has shown interest in through his recent acquisition of a stake in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. McGregor’s enthusiastic response, reposting Usyk’s story and commenting ‘USYK IN BARE KNUCKLE!’, suggests that this matchup, once considered a fantasy pairing, could very well materialize in the near future.
Jake Paul: A New Contender?
As the combat sports community buzzes with the potential Usyk-McGregor clash, another name has entered the fray: Jake Paul. The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer has been mentioned as a possible opponent for Usyk, should the Ukrainian champion decide to explore non-traditional boxing avenues. Sergey Lapin hinted at this during a recent interview, where he floated the idea of Usyk fighting Paul under unique conditions, perhaps even with ‘one hand behind his back to make it fair.’
Paul, who recently fought ex-UFC star and bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry, has made a name for himself by taking on high-profile fights and defying skeptics. A bout with Usyk would not only be a spectacle but also a test of Paul’s legitimacy as a serious contender in the boxing world. While this potential matchup has yet to be confirmed, the mere suggestion has already captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
The Fury Rematch: High Stakes in Saudi Arabia
Before any new ventures can be seriously considered, Oleksandr Usyk has unfinished business in the heavyweight division. He is set to defend his WBO, WBA, and WBC titles in a rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This bout follows Usyk’s historic victory earlier this year, where he outpointed Fury over 12 rounds to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
The stakes are incredibly high for this rematch. A victory for Usyk would not only solidify his legacy but also potentially retire Tyson Fury, as suggested by his camp. Sergey Lapin has been vocal about this, stating that Usyk’s triumph could spell the end of Fury’s iconic career. The outcome of this fight will significantly influence Usyk’s future plans, whether he continues to dominate the heavyweight division or seeks new challenges in different combat sports arenas.
Exploring New Horizons: MMA and Beyond
Should Usyk emerge victorious against Fury, his options for future endeavors are vast and varied. Sergey Lapin has indicated that Usyk is considering a range of possibilities, including a drop in weight or a switch to MMA. The mention of a potential fight with UFC legend Jon Jones or a third bout with Anthony Joshua in an MMA cage adds to the excitement surrounding Usyk’s next steps.
Usyk’s willingness to explore different combat sports disciplines highlights his desire to push boundaries and test his skills in new environments. His camp has made it clear that they are open to ‘wildcard’ options, which could include high-profile crossover fights that attract global attention. This adventurous spirit not only keeps Usyk’s career dynamic but also ensures that he remains a central figure in the combat sports world, continually drawing in fans from various disciplines.
In conclusion, Oleksandr Usyk’s openness to bare-knuckle boxing, potential bouts with Conor McGregor and Jake Paul, and the impending rematch with Tyson Fury, paint a picture of a champion unafraid to take risks and explore new challenges. As the combat sports community watches closely, Usyk’s next moves promise to keep the excitement and speculation at an all-time high.
