In a surprising turn of events, heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has hinted at the possibility of stepping into the world of bare-knuckle boxing. This revelation comes as Usyk prepares for his highly anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury, scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 21.


Earlier this year, Usyk made history by becoming the first-ever four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion. He achieved this feat by dropping and outpointing Tyson Fury over 12 rounds, securing his place as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. However, Usyk later relinquished the IBF belt, with Daniel Dubois, the organization’s interim champion, being upgraded ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua on September 21.


While the winners of the upcoming bouts involving Usyk and Joshua are expected to face each other in another undisputed clash, Usyk’s camp has suggested a different path. Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s long-time friend and former professional boxer, reached out to UFC legend Conor McGregor with a message on Instagram, expressing interest in collaborating with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).


“Hey bro, Conor McGregor! First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk,” Lapin wrote.


Lapin reinforced his Instagram message during a recent interview, stating, “He’s proven he’s the best of his 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; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage, or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.”

Usyk validated Lapin’s comments by reposting them to his Instagram story, tagging McGregor and adding, “Let’s talk.” McGregor, who recently acquired a stake in BKFC, showed his interest by reposting Usyk’s story to his own Instagram account and commenting on a post featuring Lapin’s quotes with, “USYK IN BARE KNUCKLE!”


The possibility of Usyk entering the bare-knuckle boxing scene under McGregor’s BKFC banner has generated significant buzz. Fans are eagerly watching as this unexpected collaboration could lead to a landmark event in combat sports. If the discussions materialize, Usyk might step into the bare-knuckle ring in 2025, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.

As Usyk prepares for his rematch with Fury, the prospect of him exploring bare-knuckle boxing adds an exciting dimension to his future. With both Usyk and McGregor showing interest, the combat sports world might witness one of the most unexpected yet thrilling collaborations in recent history. Stay tuned as this story develops.