Zuffa Boxing just might land one of the biggest names in boxing today.
The newly launched promotion, which is under the umbrella of UFC parent company TKO, is apparently in talks with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, at least according to Team Usyk director Sergey Lapin. Working on his first fight since his title defense against Daniel Dubois last July, Lapin revealed that Zuffa Boxing could be an option for for Usyk as the Ukrainian looks for a promoter for his next bout.
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It would be big news for Zuffa Boxing as UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh, Saudi government’s General Entertainment Authority, continue to look to make an impact in the sport.
“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists,” Lapin told TalkSPORT. “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 (White) did. He turned old MMA into a 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.”
There’s still a lot in the air in regard to Usyk’s next fight. Not only is the promotional aspect to be determined, but also Usyk’s next rival, and all the details around booking a fight.
“We’re moving calmly and professionally,” Lapin said. “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.”
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Usyk is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and the best heavyweight boxer of this generation. He won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London, and since turning professional has torn through cruiserweight and heavyweight. He’s undefeated with 24 victories, of which 15 have come by KO. Usyk’s biggest career moment came in 2023, when Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four belt era and the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Oleksandr Usyk rep: ‘There is dialogue’ with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing
