Just yesterday, the idea of a bout between Olympic champion-turned-pro Oleksandr Usyk and vlogger-showman Jake Paul sounded like yet another Internet meme. Now, after a spectacular knockout at Wembley and a heated stare-down in the ring, many are wondering: are we really about to witness a fight that merges hard-nosed boxing with show business and pushes the boundaries of traditional sport?
Wembley Knockout: A New Chapter for the Ukrainian Champion
Round five: a heavy punch with which Usyk cold-bloodedly switched off the Briton Daniel Dubois illustrated the gulf in class between the Ukrainian and the rest of the heavyweight contenders. His status as lineal champion, flawless footwork and trademark combinations prompted the public to ask: who is left to challenge the man who conquered cruiserweight and now reigns in heavyweight as well?
Stare-Down With a YouTuber: A Viral Moment That Sparked a Serious Conversation
While the crowd was still catching its breath, Jake Paul climbed onto the apron—a media predator who knows how to turn every second into a highlight. Face-to-face with Usyk, a polite nod, a faint smile—and millions of clicks within hours. Some laughed, yet promoters immediately started crunching the pay-per-view numbers: audiences love storylines where real titles collide with media clout.
Bridge to the Cage: Usyk Explores an MMA Opportunity
Back in January 2025 the Ukrainian admitted he would not mind slipping on four-ounce gloves for one evening: “MMA rules against Jake? Why not—challenges make me better.” The public assumed it was trolling, yet later Usyk posted a fight poster on social media. Paul instantly launched a poll—“Should we do it?”—and more than half of the fans clicked “yes.” A contract with Dubois shelved the idea for a while, but the London stare-down brought it right back to center stage.
Self-Proclaimed Heir to Ali: Paul After the Chávez Jr. Victory
June’s points win over former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. further boosted Paul’s self-confidence. The American proclaimed loudly: “I’m the best thing that’s happened to boxing since Muhammad Ali.” The bold comparison spread through news feeds in seconds, and Paul stoked the fire by branding Ryan Garcia, Conor McGregor, Canelo Álvarez and even Anthony Joshua “overrated.”
Course for Joshua: One Phone Call and Two Promised Fights
Paul insists that next spring he wants to cross paths with Joshua: “We agreed to have two more fights each—then meet. Anthony promised to ‘kill me,’ and I replied, ‘Fight for your life, big guy.’” Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Al ash-Sheikh, who works closely with Joshua, also sees upside: “If Joshua deals with Paul, my headache is gone. If not, I’ll know it’s time to close the Anthony project.”
Road Map: Joshua First, Then Usyk in the Octagon?
Right after the Dubois knockout Jake clarified his priorities on social media: first the showdown with Joshua, then a “tour” of the cage against Usyk. The theoretical date is late next year, which would give the Ukrainian time to study grappling and clinch work under MMA rules.
Verdict: A Casual Joke Could Reshape the Combat-Sports Landscape
A Usyk–Paul fight inside a steel mesh may sound crazy, but in an era where view counts set the rules, any vivid storyline is possible. Usyk wants challenges; Paul wants monetizable buzz. If both keep stoking the interest, the sport could get a crossover on the Mayweather–McGregor scale—and fans another night when boxing, MMA and Internet hype unite for the sake of spectacle.
