Serhii Lapin on an Usyk-Jake Paul Clash: “Talks Are Already Under Way”

Serhii Lapin, director of Oleksandr Usyk’s team and CEO of Ready to Fight, pulled back the curtain on a potential showdown between the undisputed heavyweight champion and American influencer-boxer Jake Paul.

“Our team is working on Sasha’s next fight right now. We’re weighing several options, zeroing in on those that make sense both athletically and in terms of fan interest and status. Practically every fighter has called out Jake Paul, but our story is different.

We’re talking MMA — something unconventional — and that’s where his strength lies. We’re not talking about a boxing match for Oleksandr Usyk — with all due respect to Jake — but in MMA the odds are more balanced. Jake has some experience, while Oleksandr would need to adapt quickly.

It could turn into a massive show with a huge audience. Negotiations are already in progress, and if it all comes together, the fight could happen early next year,” Lapin revealed.

For the record, on 19 July Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) stopped Daniel Dubois in five rounds to become undisputed heavyweight champion for the third time. Afterward, Usyk and Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) engaged in an intense face-off.

Photo: Jake Paul’s Instagram