1 month ago
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Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has trimmed his list of potential next opponents down to three, according to a report.
Usyk unified the heavyweight division for the second time in his career last month when he knocked out Daniel Dubois at Wembley, having previously defeated Tyson Fury after already doing the same at cruiserweight.
The Ukrainian has beaten the best the division has to offer, boasting two victories over each of British trio Dubois, Fury and Anthony Joshua, and he is coming towards the end of his career.
Now, though, he has a decision to make regarding his next opponent, and three men are thought to be in the running - including Jake Paul.
The other two possible opponents are, according to The Sun, Fury and Joseph Parker, who is next in line to challenge for the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO heavyweight world titles.
If he doesn't opt to face Parker, he will likely have to vacate his WBO heavyweight title, but that hasn't stopped him looking elsewhere anyway.
Oleksandr Usyk has reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist for his next opponent
The Ukrainian became undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time when he beat Daniel Dubois last month
Joseph Parker (left) is in line for a title shot and Tyson Fury (right) could come out of retirement
Talks are reportedly underway for Usyk to face Jake Paul - but in MMA rather than boxing
Paul is reportedly a potential opponent, but, despite the YouTuber's 12-1 record, the fight would in fact take place in an MMA cage.
Sergey Lapin, a member of Usyk's camp, told Plejmo: '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.'
Fury, meanwhile, has pledged to return to the ring after his latest retirement, and has been backed to face Usyk in a trilogy despite losing the first two fights.
