Usyk Outlines Plans After Fury – ‘Could Fight Conor McGregor, Jake Paul And Jon Jones’
Oleksandr Usyk has big plans lined up following his rematch with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion with a split decision win. The rematch takes place on December 21. However, it will not be for all the belts. Usyk vacated his IBF belt. Even if Usyk comes up short in the rematch, the Ukrainian will be regarded as the best heavyweight of his era. Following up on his cruiserweight feat, he has become a two-weight undisputed champion.
There were calls on Usyk to retire after the Fury fight, given he had nothing else to prove. However, the Ukrainian will honor the rematch. Provided he comes through with a win, Usyk has several options. He has teased a possible return to cruiserweight. The division is much easier than when he conquered it. But there are several options outside boxing, with lucrative combat sports opportunities. His trainer, Sergy Lupin, has suggested some ideas.
Usyk’s Future
“He’s proven he’s the best of this generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him. It could be in the boxing ring, the MMA cage or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“Can you imagine Usyk and Jon Jones fighting to prove they’re the baddest man on the planet? Or maybe it’s a third fight with Anthony Joshua in the MMA cage. Maybe it’s Jake Paul at cruiserweight, although Usyk would need to fight him with one hand behind his back though to make it fair,” Lupin said
Several big-money fights are available, suggesting that Usyk is already planning for his life outside of boxing. He is also starring alongside Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming film Smashing Machine. Johnson will play the lead role of Mark Kerr, who became a Pride FC Heavyweight Champion and a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.
Usyk’s Film
The movie revolves around Kerr’s problems with substance abuse, which includes painkillers and narcotics. Usyk was drafted into the movie to play the character of Ukrainian kickboxer Igor ‘Ice Cold’ Vovchanchyn. He will film a scene with Johnson as part of their PRIDE 7 in Yokohama, Japan. The filming began with Johnson and even Snoop Dogg heaping praise on Usyk.
“Don’t break my jaw champ. An honour to have the newly crowned Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World @usykaa join our cast of ‘The Smashing Machine’. Usyk will play the role of Igor Vovchanchyn – the real life Ukrainian MMA legend who had legendary fights during the extreme no holds barred era of Mixed Martial Arts and one historic fight against the Smashing Machine himself, Mark Kerr. I have huge respect for Oleksandr Usyk and [it] will be my honor to share the ring with him – as he knocks my jaw into next week. Looking forward to working with you my brother,” Johnson said
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