Oleksandr Usyk is a ‘legend’ in the combat sports world, but the two-weight undisputed boxing champion should avoid transitioning to MMA.
That’s according to former heavyweight boxing star Artur Szpilka, who has warned the Ukrainian great to stay away from mixed martial arts based on his own switch to the cage.
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Szpilka made the rare switch from boxing to MMA in 2022 and is 4-1 in the sport as a professionalCredit: Getty
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The Polish heavyweight fought Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder, to name a few, during his 13-year pro boxing careerCredit: Getty
Usyk called out Paul on social media in September for an MMA bout, saying he would be waiting for the American in the cage when he finally ties the knot on his esteemed boxing career.
The 38-year-old then faced off with Paul in the ring after knocking out Daniel Dubois in his last fight five months ago.
He is expected to have a front-row seat for Paul’s wild heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua in Miami on Friday night and could do the same thing again depending on the outcome.
However, Szpilka, who fought big names including Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora in his impressive 29-fight boxing career before transitioning to MMA, doesn’t think Usyk should come out of his lane.
READ MORE MMA NEWSOleksandr Usyk is a legendary champion, but MMA is different
“Maybe one day, but no, he’s a big champion – Oleksandr Usyk is number one in the world,” Szpilka explained ahead of his next fight at KSW 113.
“I can’t remember anyone else like this — undisputed in cruiserweight and undisputed in heavyweight.
“Can you believe this?! He is a f****** champion, the best guy, and has a great mentality.
“He has stamina for 20 rounds — the same speed, the same legs. He moves amazingly. He beat all the English fighters.”
Szpilka faces Michal Martinek at KSW 113 for just his sixth MMA bout, having won four of his first five since turning professional in 2022.
‘Szpila’ told talkSPORT.com that the most difficult thing since moving from boxing to MMA has been adjusting his stance as he gets used to defending takedowns and being more exposed in the cage.
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Usyk (right) has the stamina to go 20 rounds in the ring, but he should think again before accepting an MMA bout, according to SzpilkaCredit: Getty
He admitted that the adjustment was a tough skill to master, but insists it’s all been taken care of for now.
But that doesn’t mean he would advise even the world’s greatest fighters.
Usyk has the accuracy and timing, but MMA is so much more
Speaking on Usyk’s potential switch to his sport, Szpilka added: “I’m not sure about MMA for him – trust me, it is a different sport.
“[Usyk] has the best legs, but the wrestling is different. He doesn’t have the huge punches; he has the accuracy and good timing, but this is different.
“I hope he doesn’t go there, or if he does, he gets an easy opponent because he is a legend.”
Does Szpilka like the idea of Usyk getting in there and taking on someone like Paul?
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Szpilka isn’t sure if MMA is for Usyk, as the wrestling aspect of the sport makes it so differentCredit: Getty
“Jake Paul is f****** …” Szpilka responded.
“I hate [his fight with Joshua], well … no, if I’m honest, it will be great because Joshua will put him to sleep, and I hope this bulls*** is then done.
“I hope Joshua really fights — he has money, he shouldn’t be involved in this s***. I hope he knocks him out and it’s over.”
Paul faces two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua in Miami on Friday night for a bout that shows ‘El Gallo’ is brave enough to put himself up against the very best.
Paul’s promoter, Nakisa Bidarian of Most Valuable Promoters (MVP), was asked about the potential of meeting Paul meeting Usyk in the cage next year in the build-up to the fight.
“Usyk has consistently put out the idea of doing MMA with Jake,” Bidarian said at the pre-fight press conference.
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“Usyk, I think he’s going to be here on Friday, [but] Jake and Usyk in MMA doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
“I don’t think that’s a big marketable event, but mad respect to [Usyk].
“It’s not about what’s bigger, it’s about what is the next best strategic move in building his career and also building his brand and building MVP.”
Usyk relinquished his WBO heavyweight strap last month and wants a crack at Wilder next.
Appearing on talkSPORT last week, Wilder confirmed negotiations for the three-belt shootout with Usyk were underway.
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KSW 113 takes place on Saturday, December 20, streaming live on KSWTV from 5 pm.
You can follow the promotion’s English account on Instagram here.