OLEKSANDR USYK has opened the door to a brutal move into the world of bare-knuckle boxing.
The Ukrainian great became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in history by beating Tyson Fury.
But he was forced to vacate his IBF title to proceed their their planned December 21 rematch in Saudi Arabia.
One of Usyk’s coaches – Sergey Lapin – predicted another defeat would spell the end of Fury’s iconic career.
And Lapin claimed Usyk could be so short of options he could look to cross over to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – co-owned by Conor McGregor.
Lapin wrote on Instagram “Hey bro, Conor McGregor!”
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“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.”
McGregor, 36, commented on a post featuring Lapin’s quotes, writing: “USYK IN BARE KNUCKLE!”
And even Usyk gave it the green light on his Instagram story as he said: “Let’s talk.”
Trainer Lapin also joked fighting YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 26, ONE-HANDED could be an option for Usyk as well as an MMA switch.
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He told Betway: “He’s proven he’s the best of this 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.”
“Can you imagine Usyk and Jon Jones fighting to prove they’re the baddest man on the planet?
“Or maybe it’s a third fight with Anthony Joshua in the MMA cage?
“Maybe it’s Jake Paul at cruiserweight, although Usyk would need to fight him with one hand behind his back though to make it fair.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
