| |
|
Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Strong rumors indicate a growing possibility that Ukrainian unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is close to signing a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing, led by Dana White.
It is already known that Alex Krassyuk of K2 Promotions ended his promotional relationship with Usyk in June 2025.
Sources claim that Usyk has been in discussions with Dana White regarding potential fights, with Egis Klimas also reportedly involved in the talks.
Usyk was previously under contract with Skill Challenge Promotions of Saudi Arabia, but reports indicate that he parted ways with Riyadh Season in 2025 in order to begin negotiations with Zuffa Boxing in the United States.
Other sources suggest that these developments may be tied to a possible bout between Oleksandr Usyk and former world champion Deontay Wilder, with tentative dates in April or May being mentioned for events in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
However, this raises a major question: what would happen to Usyk’s obligation to defend his unified WBC, WBA, and IBF titles if he were to join Zuffa Boxing and align himself closely with Dana White? White has publicly stated that his company intends to lead a new world order in boxing and be the future of the sport, while openly expressing indifference toward the championships of the four major sanctioning bodies.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 MARCH 2026: Navarrete Stops Nunez; Parra Jnr Outpoints Pierce; Wins by Emiliano Vargas and Abel Ramos
By Eric Armit, , Wed, 04 Mar 2026Team Philippines Crowned Champions of the 2026 Predator WPA Teams World Championship
, Wed, 04 Mar 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev calls for radical reform of the Olympic Movement and equal rights for athletes
, Wed, 04 Mar 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Boxing—A Spectacle of Masses and Millennial Stages
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 03 Mar 2026Golden Boy Promotions Vs Virgil Ortiz Jr going to arbitration?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 03 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Signs Undefeated Nicaraguan Knockout Artist Jordan “La Cobrita” Orozco
, Tue, 03 Mar 2026STACKED MARCH 14 UNDERCARD SHOWCASES GOLDEN BOY’S NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
, Tue, 03 Mar 2026The Perfect Boxing Prospect 12-0 Marco Romero
, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Quietly formidable boxers Kristian Prenga & Pyrce Taylor continue Their assault on the heavyweight division
, Tue, 03 Mar 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
, Mon, 02 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Paras stops Abcede in 2nd round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Undefeated Welterweight Ruben Aguilar Stops Luis Lopez in Eight Brutal Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Patricio, Brownlee and Awinongya Enter Medal Rounds on Day Five of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Sun, 01 Mar 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026IM Arca finishes in eight place in Pacquiao chess; NM Ilar pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
