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Oleksandr Usyk explains why he will not fight Jake Paul after Rico Verhoeven clash

The Independent·James Robson·18 days ago
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Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk is determined to make significant "noise" before concluding a career that has cemented his status as one of boxing’s most dominant figures, a drive that will see him face a champion kickboxer in an unusual spectacle this month. The Ukrainian pugilist is set to meet Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on 23 May, a bout that underscores his willingness to embrace unconventional challenges. While Usyk embraces such high-profile crossover fights, one particular celebrity boxing match remains off the table. Despite the growing trend of boxers engaging with influencer-turned-prizefighters, Usyk has ruled out a clash with YouTube star Jake Paul. "I don’t know because Jake (is) my friend now," Usyk told The Associated Press. "With Jake (a) fight is not possible, I think." Usyk, however, is not dismissive of the broader phenomenon of boxers taking on lucrative and often unusual opponents from different sports.…

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