Oleksandr Usyk’s team has confirmed discussions with Dana White, potentially opening the door for the heavyweight champion to join Zuffa Boxing.
Usyk to Zuffa? Conversations with Dana White Confirmed
Could Oleksandr Usyk be the first major boxing star to sign with Dana White’s new venture?
- Oleksandr Usyk, holding three of the four major heavyweight titles, is exploring options beyond traditional boxing.
- Discussions are underway with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, White’s new boxing promotion.
- A potential fight on July 11th under the iVisit Boxing banner remains uncertain.
- Deontay Wilder and Agit Kabayel are among the potential opponents being considered for Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk finds himself at a pivotal moment, navigating both his sporting career and strategic future. The Ukrainian heavyweight recently relinquished the WBO title to avoid a mandatory fight against Fabio Wardley, but continues to hold three of the four major heavyweight world championship belts. Now, signs point to potentially groundbreaking projects brewing behind the scenes.
Reports surfaced recently from San Francisco regarding a possible fight on July 11th under the iVisit Boxing banner, though details remain unconfirmed. However, Sergey Lapin, a manager within Usyk’s team, has revealed another, potentially seismic development: concrete discussions with Dana White and his new boxing project, Zuffa Boxing!
“There is a dialogue and there is mutual interest,” Lapin told talkSPORT Bet. However, no specific numbers, dates, or contract details have been publicly released. “Some doors are open. If the format, numbers and timing come together, the market could see a move that no one expects.”
Dana White’s success with the UFC is well-documented. He transformed mixed martial arts into a global spectacle with structured processes and international marketing. This model has never been replicated in boxing. Both White and Usyk’s team recognize this: “Everyone saw what Dana White built. He made MMA a global brand,” said Lapin. Discussions regarding potential opponents, including Deontay Wilder, are ongoing. “There are no final decisions and nothing has been signed. We are proceeding calmly and professionally. When everything is clarified, it will be officially announced.”
Despite recent setbacks, Deontay Wilder remains a consideration. Three losses in his last five fights, coupled with defensive vulnerabilities, have raised concerns. While his power remains formidable, his mobility has diminished. A fight against Usyk would generate interest, but its sporting merit is questionable.
Agit Kabayel is another name Lapin mentioned. “There are no safe opponents in today’s heavyweight division,” Lapin stated. “Kabayel is definitely an option. We see how strong the German market is and which stadiums can be filled there. Stylistically he can be very unpleasant.”
The focus remains on securing fights that represent significant events. “We only consider the largest and most logical options,” Lapin emphasized. The potential shortlist is fluid, contingent on title implications, scheduling, and television arrangements.
Zuffa Boxing’s official launch is scheduled this week with a card in Las Vegas featuring Callum Walsh versus Carlos Ocampo. Cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia is currently the most prominent name in the Zuffa Boxing stable. One thing is certain: Oleksandr Usyk is the most sought-after fighter in the heavyweight division. Whether his next bout will be under the Zuffa Boxing, iVisit Boxing, or another promotional banner remains to be seen. The coming weeks will likely provide clarity, but Usyk’s involvement would undoubtedly elevate the entire project.
