Oleksandr Usyk has a plan for the ultimate fights of his profession they usually simply may contain Alex Pereira.
The UFC gentle heavyweight champion just lately stated on the JAXXON podcast he’s occupied with a crossover boxing bout with Usyk. 2024 was a banner 12 months for Pereira, additionally a former UFC middleweight champion, as he headlined three UFC occasions with profitable defenses of his 205-pound title.
Usyk additionally had a memorable 2024 marketing campaign, twice combating and twice beating the beforehand undefeated Tyson Fury in a pair of high-profile bouts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assert undisputed heavyweight champion standing. There are few worlds left for Usyk to overcome (he additionally beforehand reigned because the undisputed cruiserweight champion), so a bout with Pereira is smart, even when it’s an exhibition and even when he awaits the challenger of an upcoming title battle between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker first.
“First is, who wins the subsequent [Dubois vs. Parker] battle on Feb. 22,” Usyk instructed TNT Sports activities Boxing. “Subsequent perhaps a ‘present battle’ with Alex Pereira. Perhaps. Why not? Alex needs to.”
Usyk’s wins over Fury boosted his professional document to 23-0, whereas Pereira has suffered only one loss in 10 UFC appearances. A matchup of any type between the 2 fight sports activities stars would undoubtedly draw huge mainstream curiosity.
That’s doubtless much less true ought to Usyk find yourself rematching Dubois, who Usyk knocked out within the ninth spherical in August 2023, however the Ukrainian star thinks Dubois ought to fear about Parker first anyway.
“I believe it’s a foul thought to make [a fight with] Daniel as a result of Daniel has a future battle,” Usyk stated when requested what he thinks of a second battle with Dubois. “He say, ‘Hey, pay attention, I desire a rematch.’ Please, make work on Feb. 22, when you win, welcome.”
Usyk was additionally requested if he felt his rival Fury was actually retired after “The Gypsy King” introduced he was hanging up the gloves this previous January. He doubts that Fury is finished for good and expects followers will see him once more after he’s had an opportunity to recharge.
“I believe no, as a result of Tyson’s an amazing man, a showman,” Usyk stated. “Perhaps, however I believe Tyson a little bit bit relaxation, together with his household, drink beer, and again within the ring. I believe.”
