Oleksandr Usyk has a plan for the ultimate fights of his profession they usually simply may contain Alex Pereira.
The UFC mild heavyweight champion not too long ago mentioned on the JAXXON podcast he’s occupied with a crossover boxing bout with Usyk. 2024 was a banner yr 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 preventing and twice beating the beforehand undefeated Tyson Fury in a pair of high-profile bouts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to say 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 sensible, even when it’s an exhibition and even when he awaits the challenger of an upcoming title struggle between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker first.
“First is, who wins the following [Dubois vs. Parker] struggle on Feb. 22,” Usyk advised TNT Sports activities Boxing. “Subsequent possibly a ‘present struggle’ with Alex Pereira. Perhaps. Why not? Alex needs to.”
Usyk’s wins over Fury boosted his professional report to 23-0, whereas Pereira has suffered only one loss in 10 UFC appearances. A matchup of any form between the 2 fight sports activities stars would undoubtedly draw large mainstream curiosity.
That’s probably 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 nasty concept to make [a fight with] Daniel as a result of Daniel has a future struggle,” Usyk mentioned when requested what he thinks of a second struggle with Dubois. “He say, ‘Hey, hear, 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 incredible man, a showman,” Usyk mentioned. “Perhaps, however I believe Tyson somewhat bit relaxation, together with his household, drink beer, and again within the ring. I believe.”
