KAMARU USMAN has dismissed the possibility of fighting Jake Paul.
The UFC welterweight champion has been linked with a crossover boxing match against the Problem Child.
Kamaru Usman dismissed the idea of taking on Jake Paul in the boxing ringCredit: Getty
But Usman, 34, now insists that he has his sights set on bigger things.
Asked by a fan if he’d consider facing Paul, Usman insisted that if he was going to switch to boxing, he’d only do it for a ‘real fighter’.
He said: “What? Boo this man one time.
“Listen, listen, if we’re going to fight, we’re going to fight a real fight.
“I’m going to answer your question, if we’re going to fight, we’re going to fight a real fighter. A real fighter.”
When talk of a potential bout between Paul and Usman was raised last year, the Nigerian ominously tweeted: “I understand you think this is a game which is probably why you don’t realise that this is how people truly get hurt.”
YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 25, called out the UFC welterweight championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Paul, 25, then responded: “Challenge accepted… if your boss Dana [White] gives you permission to box me and make more money than you ever have, let me know and we can lace them up.
“I promise it will be your biggest pay day.”
After being dismissed this time around by Usman, Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions tweeted: “Just another UFC fighter who signed a bad deal and now trying to make a real payday. He called out JAKE in May of last year.”
Usman, however, has outlined how he really sees his year playing out.
He told TMZ: “In 2022 I’m going to shock the world. July, International Fight Week, I’m gonna fight Leon Edwards.
“God willing I get through Leon Edwards, September, Mexican Independence Day, I will stop Canelo Alvarez.
“Absolutely I see myself winning the fight, everything can’t be done until it’s done. We’re talking nine figures, for sure.”
Usman would like to take on pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez insteadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
