Oleksandr Usyk eyes Jon Jones for retirement fight

Oleksandr Usyk is considering Jon Jones as an opponent for his retirement fight, according to a report from The Ring Magazine. Usyk's advisor, Sergey Lapin, told the outlet that the Ukrainian pound-for-pound great has the former UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight and heavyweight champion on his shortlist after recently vacating all three of his boxing titles.

Jones, who stepped away from mixed martial arts earlier this year, has no professional boxing experience. While he remains one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history, the transition to face someone of Usyk's caliber represents a massive leap. "Bones" is also believed to still be under contract with the UFC, which could complicate negotiations if the fight gains traction.

What Usyk wants for his final fight

Usyk announced days ago that he would relinquish his heavyweight belts ahead of his final bout, expected to take place later this year or in early 2027. Promoter Eddie Hearn told reporters that Deontay Wilder is another name in the mix. Wilder, who stopped Derek Chisora in a lackluster performance earlier this year, appears to be the more realistic option of the two.

The UFC and Conor McGregor previously shocked the combat sports world by securing a mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather for the boxer's retirement bout in 2017. A Usyk-Jones pairing, however, lacks the same crossover appeal. MMA Mania noted that without titles on the line, Usyk seems focused on securing the biggest payday possible before stepping away from the sport.

A rematch with Rico Verhoeven, who handed Usyk a controversial eleventh-round stoppage last month, remains another possibility. Usyk is expected to announce his final opponent within the next few months.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Oleksandr Usyk targeting Jon Jones for retirement fight (seriously)