Oleksandr Usyk, Dana White talks, and a narrowed heavyweight list

Oleksandr Usyk’s camp has confirmed direct talks with Dana White. Sergey Lapin, who manages Usyk’s career, said nothing is signed and nothing is settled. What exists is contact and interest, nothing more.

“There is dialogue, and interest exists,” Lapin told talkSPORT Bet. “Details aren’t for the public right now. Let’s say a few doors are open, and if format, numbers, and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects.”

White contact acknowledged by Usyk camp

White’s involvement is tied to how the sport is organised rather than any specific fight. His UFC model runs on control, timing, and one-promoter authority. Boxing has never operated that way, and Lapin acknowledged the difference without selling it.

“Everyone has seen what Dana White did. He turned old MMA into the global UFC machine,” Lapin said.

Zuffa Boxing launches this week in Las Vegas with Callum Walsh facing Carlos Ocampo. Jai Opetaia is already signed. If Usyk were to join, he would become the first heavyweight anchor, testing whether a belt-holder is willing to operate inside a more structured system. White’s approach prioritises systems over individual fighters.

Wilder still under consideration

Lapin confirmed that Deontay Wilder remains part of ongoing talks, while stressing that nothing has been agreed.

“There are conversations and negotiations happening with Deontay Wilder, but there are no final decisions and nothing signed at this moment,” he said. “We’re moving calmly and professionally. When everything is agreed, it will be announced officially. We are only considering the biggest and most logical options, fights that truly create an event, not just another name.”

Wilder’s name still draws attention despite losing three of his last five fights. The power remains. The defence and stamina have not held.

Kabayel named as another option

Agit Kabayel is the other heavyweight Lapin named directly, and the reasoning was practical.

“In today’s heavyweight division, there are no safe opponents. Every top-level guy is a threat,” Lapin said. “Kabayel is definitely a possible option. We see how Germany reacts to these fights, the stadiums they can fill, and how strong that market is. Stylistically, he can be tricky. Pressure, pace, physicality. It would be a big European fight with strong business potential.”

The two options present different problems. Kabayel offers rounds, balance, and steady pressure, the type of opponent who forces Usyk to work throughout a fight. Wilder offers danger in a single moment and remains a commercial draw. Both are viable on paper, but they test different parts of Usyk’s game and his timing at this stage of his career.