Oleksandr Usyk's three-man shortlist for final fight includes Jake Paul and familiar foe
Oleksandr Usyk has a stunning three-man hit-list - which includes Jake Paul - ahead of his final fight.
Earlier this year, the Ukrainian had revealed he has two more fights in him before officially calling it a day. Last month, Usyk would go on to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion after brutally knocking out Daniel Dubois in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of his final fight, it would appear that several names are in the run-in, and the Ukrainian could even switch sports. Since moving up to heavyweight, Usyk has defeated Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Dubois twice. Despite clearing out the top dogs in boxing's heaviest division, it would appear that a third fight with Fury could very well be on the cards.
According to 112 Ukraine, Fury is still in consideration for a trilogy fight. The pair first went head-to-head back in May 2024 - with Usyk going on to win the undisputed heavyweight title for the first time after scoring a split decision victory. Seven months later, the two stars traded leather for a second time. Once again, the Ukrainian emerged triumphant after another points win over the 'Gypsy King.' Just weeks after the second defeat, Fury retired from the sport, only to announce his return several months later.
While Fury later backtracked on his comeback plans, a third fight with the Ukrainian would be enough to officially lure him out of retirement. Another name on the the 38-year-old's list is heavyweight sensation, Joseph Parker. Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to defend his belt against the Kiwi next - or else vacate the gold strap. Parker's team claimed that no talks have taken place as of yet.
The final name on the stacked list is Paul. Both Usyk and Paul faced off in the ring after the former's win over Dubois last month - hinting at a potential showdown between the pair. Rumours of a fight quickly began to circulate, but not in the boxing ring, but in the octagon.
Usyk's team have welcomed a potential showdown with the 28-year-old. Director of Team Usyk Sergey Lapin, recently revealed talks are underway for Usyk to face Paul in the MMA cage as early as the start of 2026. Speaking to Plejmo, Lapin said: "The team is currently working on the next fight. We're looking at a few options, focusing on those who make sense both sport-wise and in terms of audience interest and status.
"Almost every fighter has called out Jake Paul. But our story is different. For us it's about MMA, something non-standard, and that's where its power lies. We're not talking about a boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk, no disrespect to Jake, but in MMA the chances are more even. Jake has some experience, while Oleksandr would have to adapt quickly. This could become a massive show with a huge global audience. Talks are already underway, and if everything lines up, the fight could happen early next year."
When is Oleksandr Usyk's next fight?
It appears Usyk will take a well-deserved break for the remainder of the year to relax and enjoy precious moments with his family before considering his next move in the squared circle. Following his victory over Dubois, the Ukrainian champion reflected on his age, declaring: "38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is only the start!
"I want to say thank you to Jesus Christ. I want to say thank you to my team and Wembley, thank you so much! It's for the people. Nothing is next. It's enough, next, I don't know. I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest." He continued: "Maybe it's Tyson Fury," Usyk added. "Maybe we have three choices, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. Listen, I cannot now say because I want to go back home."
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