Oleksandr Usyk may have shocked the boxing world this week by declaring Deontay Wilder his “first option,” but the three-belt heavyweight champion has now revealed another unexpected name on his wish list as the Ukrainian star confirmed that he still has his sights set on Jake Paul inside an Octagon.
Usyk recently confirmed his desire to face Wilder, praising the former WBC champion as a “famous and strong guy,” despite Wilder’s struggles and recent defeats. But even as he sets his sights on Wilder, Usyk has been assisting Anthony Joshua’s camp as the Brit prepares for his December 19 fight in Miami against Jake Paul. Usyk revealed he’d even be open to helping Joshua prepare for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury if that fight finally materialises in 2026.
In a surprising twist, Usyk admitted he is quietly rooting for Paul to survive Joshua on December 19 - because he wants the chance to fight Paul himself, but under MMA rules. “If Anthony Joshua wants, he can kill this guy. I will pray for Jake Paul,” Usyk said, “because I want to fight Jake Paul in the Octagon.”