Zuffa Boxing haven’t even had its first official show, but it’s already making huge waves in the world of professional boxing. Reports have circulated that the promotion may be in talks with boxing royalty, Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking to TalkSport, Usyk’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 interest exists”, 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 [Dana 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.”
Oleksandr Usyk to Zuffa Boxing?
We were led to believe that Zuffa Boxing would focus on signing young, up-and-coming talent rather than trying to poach the established, well-known fighters. With that being said, last week the promotion announced the signing of cruiserweight king, Jai Opetaia.
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 appears to be one out of left field. Talks are ongoing to face fearful puncher and former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder.
The two were rumoured to be meeting on July 11th in San Francisco, however, that one seems to have been put to bed by Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s manager.
Lapin commented on the potential match-up by saying:
“There are conversations and negotiations happening, but there are no final decisions and nothing signed at this moment. We’re moving calmly and professionally. When everything is agreed, it will be announced officially. We are only considering the biggest and most logical options, fights that truly create an event, not just another name. There are several top heavyweights in the conversation, but the shortlist changes depending on belts, timing, dates, and broadcast structures. Our position is simple: if it’s a fight, it has to be a big one.”
Do you think that Oleksandr Usyk would be a good signing for Zuffa Boxing? Let us know in the comments!
