Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot
JAKE PAUL revealed he is in stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after teasing a world title shot.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was called out by the heavyweight king with the two camps now in negotiations.
But, Usyk has challenged Paul to a bout in the MMA cage and not the boxing ring.
Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and eyes an MMA debut next year with Usyk among his options.
Accompanied by UFC legend Holly Holm, he said: "I want to be like Holly here and test my skills in the cage.
"That's something I'm super, super interested in and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle.
"Nate Diaz is still ducking but we need to find the right opponent, Usyk maybe."
Paul's promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian added: "Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA.
"They've been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that in 2026. So something we definitely want to pursue."
Bidarian added that the PFL have shown interest in promoting the crossover fight.
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But first Usyk, 38, returns on July 19 at Wembley Stadium to rematch Daniel Dubois, 27, who he beat in 2023.
And it will be for the undisputed heavyweight titles following the Ukrainian's two points wins over Tyson Fury, 36, last year.
Usyk has warned he has just two fights left and has called out UFC star Alex Pereira, 37, in the past.
Paul, 28, meanwhile faces former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, in his next bout on June 28 in California.
It comes off the back of his points win in November against Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback aged 58.
Paul moves back from to cruiserweight after moving up to heavyweight and revealed talks to fight WBC champ Badou Jack.
He said: "I'm super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening."
It comes after Jack, 41, told SunSport: "It's a money fight. It's an easy fight and it's a money fight So, why not?"
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