Serhii Lapin, CEO of Ready to Fight and director of Oleksandr Usyk’s team, has confirmed preliminary negotiations for an MMA bout pitting the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion against influencer-turned-fighter Jake Paul.
Lapin told Ukrainian media that Usyk’s camp is weighing “several options” for the 38-year-old’s next assignment but views a crossover match with Paul as a unique commercial and sporting opportunity. “We’re not interested in boxing Jake,” Lapin said. “In MMA the odds are more balanced - Jake has some experience there, Oleksandr would need to adapt quickly - and the event could draw a huge global audience.”
Usyk secured his third stint as undisputed heavyweight champion by stopping Daniel Dubois in five rounds on July 19 at Wembley Stadium. Paul as a boxer, has flirted with mixed-rules contests and faced off with Usyk in the ring after the Dubois victory, fuelling speculation.
Lapin added that talks are “already in progress” and that, should the financial and logistical pieces fall into place, the crossover showdown could land in the first quarter of 2026.
Image Credit: Ready to fight