Oleksandr Usyk in conversation with Zuffa Boxing

Zuffa Boxing hasn’t even had its first official show yet, but it’s already making huge waves in the world of professional boxing. Reports are circulating that the promotion may be in talks with boxing king Oleksandr Usyk.

Speak with TalkSportUsyk’s team director Segey Lapin stated that Dana White and Zuffa Boxing are in talks with the IBF, WBA, WBC and The Ring heavyweight champion.

“There is contact, there is dialogue and there is interest,” Lapin said.

“Details are not available to the public at this time. Let’s say there are a few doors open, and if format, numbers and timing align, the market could see a move that no one expects. Everyone has seen what he [Dana White] did. He turned ‘old MMA’ into the global UFC machine. His real power is not just a fight, but an event. When he gets involved, the scale and focus immediately changes.”

Oleksandr Usyk to Zuffa Boxing?

We got the impression that Zuffa Boxing would focus on attracting young, up-and-coming talent rather than trying to poach the established, well-known fighters. That said, the promotion announced the signing of cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia last week.

The acquisition of Oleksandr Usyk could coincide with the Ukrainian’s next fight. After defeating Daniel Dubois via brutal knockout in July 2025, his next fight looks to be one out of left field. Talks are underway to face anxious puncher and former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

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The two were rumored to meet in San Francisco on July 11, but it appears someone was put to bed by Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager.

Lapin commented on the possible match saying:

“Discussions and negotiations are taking place, but there are no final decisions and nothing has been signed at this point. We are proceeding calmly and professionally. If everything is agreed, it will be officially announced. We are only considering the biggest and most logical options, fights that really create an event, not just another name. There are several top heavyweights in the conversation, but the shortlist changes depending on the belt, timing, dates and broadcast structures. Our position is simple: if it’s a fight, it should be a big fight.”

Do you think Oleksandr Usyk would be a good addition to Zuffa Boxing? Let us know in the comments!