Usyk to possibly face former UFC champion.
Oleksandr Usyk recently chose to give up his world heavyweight titles, which is something that essentially hit the refresh button on the big-man division.
Having been a three-belt titlist (a four-belt one on two occasions at heavyweight), Usyk had a number of mandatory obligations to fulfil. And with those belts now vacated, those mandatories (and other top contenders) will be getting their rightful opportunities.
Another big talking point from the situation, though, is Usyk’s immediate next step. In his announcement of his decision to relinquish his straps, the Ukrainian stated that he wouldn’t be retiring, but that he would be having his “last dance”.
Of course, theories as to who that could be against have been put forward. At the moment, it appears two names are currently in the running.
The first of these is Deontay Wilder, the former knockout king who reigned as WBC champion for five years. It wasn’t long ago that rumours stated a showdown between the American and Usyk could be taking place.
The second candidate is also a former American heavyweight champion. Only, not of the boxing variety.
Indeed, according to Sergey Lapin (Usyk’s team director), his fighter could possibly be facing Jon Jones–the former UFC light-heavyweight and heavyweight world champion–in his last professional contest.
This would be yet another meeting of the boxing and MMA worlds, something we have seen more of in recent times.
If it occurs, it will no doubt be one of those once-in-a-while spectacles that will stay in the memory no matter what takes place on the night.
Oleksandr Usyk is looking at taking on Deontay Wilder or Jon Jones in the US later this year, according to his manager Sergey Lapin.
Credit: The Ring pic.twitter.com/0o4AUVbo87
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) June 29, 2026
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