Dana White ‘in talks’ to sign Oleksandr Usyk as Deontay Wilder fight update provided

Oleksandr Usyk’s team director, Sergey Lapin, claims Dana White is in talks to sign the Ukrainian to Zuffa Boxing.

Usyk left his long-time promoter, Alexander Krassyuk of K2 Promotions, in June before his rematch victory over Daniel Dubois and has been a free agent ever since.

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Zuffa Boxing, which launches on Friday at the UFC Apex, is part-owned by Turki Alalshikh, whom Usyk has worked with for in his last three fights.

It is therefore a logical move for the unified WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight champion as he enters the twilight of his career.

“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists [from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing],” Lapin told talkSPORT Bet.

“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 vs Deontay Wilder update

The fight at the top of Usyk’s hitlist is a clash with Deontay Wilder.

Rumours circulated around social media that the pair were set to face each other on July 11 on an iVisit Boxing card in San Francisco.

However, such gossip was put to bed when Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel, told esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael that there had been no discussions with Ed Pereira’s promotion.

It could be the case that Usyk vs Wilder lands on a future Zuffa Boxing bill, with talks progressing nicely between the heavyweight titans.

“There are conversations and negotiations happening [with Deontay Wilder], but there are no final decisions and nothing signed at this moment,” Lapin added.

“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.”

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Alternative option for Oleksandr Usyk’s next fight

Lapin also confirmed that WBC interim title holder Agit Kabayel is also “a possible option”.

“We see how Germany reacts to these fights, the stadiums they can fill, and how strong that market is,” Lapin added.

“Stylistically he can be tricky too. Pressure, pace, physicality.

“It would be a big European fight with strong business potential.”