Oleksandr Usyk is determined to make headlines before hanging up his gloves. The undefeated heavyweight champion (24‑0, 15 KOs) has mapped out the final stretch of his career, but one thing fans shouldn’t expect is a fight against YouTube star Jake Paul. Yankee Scores reports.
Usyk Rules Out Paul Bout
Usyk made it clear he won’t follow Anthony Joshua’s path of facing Paul. “Jake is my friend now. With Jake, a fight is not possible, I think,” Usyk told the Press. While he respects the entertainment value of crossover bouts, he insists his focus is on meaningful challenges that fit into his career plan.
Making “Noise” in Egypt
Before his planned “last dance” against Tyson Fury, Usyk will defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza. Verhoeven, 66‑10 as a kickboxer, has only one professional boxing match to his name, but Usyk sees the spectacle as a way to captivate fans. “Rico is the absolute world champion in kickboxing and I am in boxing. For the fans, that’s not bad,” he said.
Media Fights and Showmanship
Usyk acknowledged the growing trend of crossover fights, comparing them to childhood debates about action stars. “Everything that happens in today’s world is a show, it’s all like a movie. And we are simply actors in that movie,” he explained. He believes such events draw new audiences to boxing, even if purists criticize them.
Preparing for the Endgame
At 39, Usyk is nearing retirement but remains meticulous in preparation. He has incorporated cognitive training into his routine, treating the brain like a muscle to sharpen decision‑making in the ring. “Boxing is not chess — you have to think quickly in there,” he said. For Usyk, the grind of training is worth it for the ecstasy of fight night.
