Team Usyk’s Sergey Lapin spoke with Norske Bettingsider about the Ukrainian heavyweight world champion’s confidence ahead of his upcoming undisputed title clash with Daniel Dubois on July 19.
But, in addition to his comments about the huge matchup at Wembley Stadium in London, Lapin also revealed that a potential MMA clash between Usyk and Paul could still be on the table once Usyk has gotten past Dubois this summer.
“The Jake Paul fight is a great show,” said Lapin.
“Imagine the announcement – an undisputed boxing champion stepping into the cage to fight under MMA rules against a guy who’s beaten several MMA fighters in the boxing ring. That would be something fans would love to see.
“We would need to completely restructure our training camp – bring in wrestling and kickboxing experts to master the techniques needed for the cage. But we saw the reaction from Jake Paul’s team – they’re into the idea.
“Usyk said, ‘Why not? It’s cool – I love challenges.’ He even mentioned he used to wrestle and take part in hand-to-hand combat as a kid. It would be a great fight in the cage. But right now, our main focus is the undisputed fight on July 19 in London. After that, we’ll revisit discussions with Jake Paul’s team.”
Lapin said that Usyk and his team are well aware of the power Dubois packs, but suggested that the Englishman carries only a puncher’s chance into the Wembley clash with Usyk,
“Daniel Dubois is a good young guy with a strong punch, but that’s where it ends for him,” said Lapin.
“A heavy punch is his main asset. He is a one-trick pony. He’s had a couple of decent fights, I was even present at his bout against AJ, but let’s be honest, Dubois didn’t win that fight, AJ simply lost it.
“If you look at Usyk, he’s got speed, fast footwork, an incredible boxing background, and his timing speaks volumes. Boxing is like fast chess, to win, you need to read your opponent.
“And if you’ve already read him before, you know all his strengths and weaknesses. This will be a mental battle, where a big guy like Daniel with a heavy punch may start to feel trapped and will look for a way out of the ring. He’ll feel incredible pressure inside.”
After Usyk’s fight with Dubois, thoughts will then turn to what’s next, and that’s where the potential of an MMA bout with Paul will be considered more closely. But there’s also the possibility Usyk could continue with his boxing career, as Lapin hinted.
“Afterwards, if he still has the desire and ability to continue, why stop?” he said.
“At 38, that’s a normal age in the heavyweight division, as long as you stay in shape, your defense is strong, and you don’t take a lot of damage. His condition is excellent. We have a great team – the internal team alone consists of 14 people: doctors, massage therapists, rehab specialists, dietitians, a strength coach, boxing coaches, and more.
“We’ve built not just a team, but an entire institute focused on health, brain and body development, and rejuvenation.
“Usyk has the motivation to make history by becoming a three-time undisputed champion. That’s worth pursuing.
“There’s no reason to think about retirement now. Let’s take it step by step – this has been a long, fascinating journey, and it will end only when Usyk decides it’s time. Age doesn’t matter in that sense.”
