Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Strong rumors indicate a growing possibility that Ukrainian unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is close to signing a promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing, led by Dana White.
It is already known that Alex Krassyuk of K2 Promotions ended his promotional relationship with Usyk in June 2025.
Sources claim that Usyk has been in discussions with Dana White regarding potential fights, with Egis Klimas also reportedly involved in the talks.
Usyk was previously under contract with Skill Challenge Promotions of Saudi Arabia, but reports indicate that he parted ways with Riyadh Season in 2025 in order to begin negotiations with Zuffa Boxing in the United States.
Other sources suggest that these developments may be tied to a possible bout between Oleksandr Usyk and former world champion Deontay Wilder, with tentative dates in April or May being mentioned for events in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
However, this raises a major question: what would happen to Usyk’s obligation to defend his unified WBC, WBA, and IBF titles if he were to join Zuffa Boxing and align himself closely with Dana White? White has publicly stated that his company intends to lead a new world order in boxing and be the future of the sport, while openly expressing indifference toward the championships of the four major sanctioning bodies.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
Wed, 14 Jan 2026“No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 14 Jan 2026Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Wed, 14 Jan 2026Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 14 Jan 2026“It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 13 Jan 2026IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
Tue, 13 Jan 2026REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tue, 13 Jan 2026