There are reports that Dana White is in talks to sign one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
The UFC boss is set to launch Zuffa Boxing this Friday at the Apex in Las Vegas, although the initial event has been met with some criticism over its scale. Despite that, he’s already started shaping the promotion’s future, with one of his first moves being the signing of cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
White might be about to make an even bigger statement by bringing unified heavyweight champion Usyk on board. Even though he recently lost his WBO title outside the ring, most still see him as the division’s true undisputed champion.
Oleksandr Usyk in talks over possible Zuffa Boxing switch
Sergiy Lapin, Oleksandr Usyk’s sports director, recently spoke to TalkSport and mentioned that there have been conversations with Dana White about a possible deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Usyk split from promoter Alex Krassyuk just before his fight against Daniel Dubois last August and hasn’t stepped into the ring since. With Dana White now involved in the boxing scene, there are questions about what comes next for Usyk.
“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists [from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing],” Lapin said. “Details aren’t for the public right now. Let’s say a few doors are open and if format, numbers, and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects.
“Everyone has seen what he [White] did. He turned old MMA’ into the global UFC machine. His real power is packaging not just a fight, but an event. If he gets involved, the scale and attention immediately become different.”
Right now, it looks like Deontay Wilder could be next in line. Wins over Tyson Fury (twice) and Anthony Joshua have already solidified Usyk’s legacy since moving up from cruiserweight. Facing Wilder would complete the trifecta of this era’s heavyweight elite.
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