Usyk’s team director Serhiy Lapin spoke about the next possible fight of the Ukrainian boxer, his words are cited by Secondsout
Oleksandr Usyk’s team manager, Serhiy Lapin, revealed details about the Ukrainian boxer’s possible next fight, according to information from Secondsout.
In July 2025, Usyk defeated British fighter Daniel Dubois, knocking him out in the fifth round, and for the second time became the undisputed heavyweight world champion. After this fight, Usyk expressed his desire to return home, rest, and spend time with his family. He also named potential opponents for future bouts, among whom was the blogger Jake Paul. This fight could take place under mixed martial arts rules.
Serhiy Lapin stated that negotiations for a fight between Usyk and Paul are already underway. In June 2025, Jake Paul defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at cruiserweight. According to Lapin, the fight could happen in early 2026.
“Right now, the team is working on the next fight. We are considering several options, focusing on those that make sense both from a sporting perspective and in terms of audience interest and status. Almost every fighter has criticized Jake Paul. But our story is different.”
– Serhiy Lapin, Usyk’s team manager
“For us, MMA is about something unconventional, and that’s its strength. We’re not talking about a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk, with all due respect to Jake, but in MMA the chances are more even. Jake has some experience, while Oleksandr will have to adapt quickly. This could become a massive show for a huge global audience. Negotiations are already ongoing, and if everything works out, the fight could take place early next year.”
– Serhiy Lapin, Usyk’s team manager
Additionally, the WBO organization has scheduled Usyk for a mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. This decision was made back in March 2025, but due to the fight with Dubois, the defense was postponed. Now Usyk’s team needs to start negotiations with Parker.
Briefly about Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian boxer born in Simferopol. He had his first official professional fight in November 2013, winning by knockout in the fifth round against Felipe Romero.
His professional fight record: 23 wins, 0 losses, 14 knockouts.
In professional boxing, Usyk was the undisputed heavyweight world champion from July to November 2018, and since May 2024, the undisputed cruiserweight champion. He holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO cruiserweight titles since June 2024 and previously held the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles (September 2021 – May 2024).
In amateur boxing, Usyk became the 2012 Olympic champion in the heavyweight division and was twice a medalist at the World and European Championships.