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Conversations begin as Zuffa boxing takes shape

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“There is dialogue and there is interest.” Lapin told talkSPORT Bet. “Details are not currently made public. Let’s assume a few doors are open and if the format, numbers and timing match, the market could see a move that no one expects.”

The language is cautious, there is nothing certain about it and it does not resemble a signature. However, work on this possibility is ongoing, which means that the talks have moved forward.

What Dana White brings

White’s record in the UFC is famed. He moved mixed martial arts from regional performances to stadium events, offering broadcasts across the continent. The model works because it places athletes in a controlled structure, with one promoter, one vision and a predictable schedule. Boxing has never worked this way and White knows it.

“Everyone saw what Dana White did. He transformed the elderly MMA into the global UFC machine,” Lapin said.

“They are in talks and negotiations with Deontay Wilder, but at the moment there are no final decisions and nothing has been signed. We are acting calmly and professionally. When everything is agreed, it will be officially announced. We are only considering the biggest and most logical options, fights that really create an event, not just another name.

“Several top heavyweights are on the call, but the shortlist changes depending on belts, time, dates and broadcast structure. Our position is uncomplicated. If it’s a fight, it has to be substantial.”

Zuffa Boxing starts on Friday with Callum Walsh fighting Carlos Ocampo in Las Vegas. The biggest signing so far is cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia. Usyk, if he joined, would change the importance of the entire operation. A three-belt heavyweight would give White instant credibility for the project.

Lapin’s comment about White’s ability to “package not just a fight, but an event” reflects what is already known. White builds around the players, not for them. Whether Usyk fits into this mold depends on how much control he is willing to trade for scale.

Wilder, Kabayel and the shortlist

Wilder remains in the conversation despite losing three of his last five fights. His name still attracts attention even though his defense and durability have declined. A fight with Oleksandr Usyk would sell, but it wouldn’t add much to the test. Wilder’s strength remains. His footwork is not.

Lapin also mentioned Agit Kabayel as another option.

“There are no protected opponents in today’s heavyweight division. Every top-class fighter 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 powerful this market is. Stylistically it could be complex too. Pressure, pace, physicality. It would be a substantial European fight with a lot of business potential.”

Kabayel is undefeated, methodical and robust. Presses without overcommitting and works behind a jab that keeps opponents at bay. Germany has proven that it will pack heavyweight arenas, and Kabayel represents a fight that is regional in nature without demanding unification. This is a safer commercial move than Wilder, even if he lacks the same appeal.

What will happen next

Lapin’s cautious wording indicates that Usyk’s team is weighing its options and not rushing into anything.

White’s involvement could simplify parts of the process or complicate it further, depending on how much influence sanctioning authorities allow him to have. Zuffa Boxing does not yet have the infrastructure to call the shots in the same way the UFC does with mixed martial arts. Boxing’s fragmented ecosystem resists central control, and Usyk’s position at the top of the division makes him a target for any promoter trying to build something.

Whether Usyk ends up fighting at Zuffa Boxing, iV Boxing or elsewhere depends on what his team values ​​more. White offers reach and scale, and control is still negotiable.

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Canelo Alvarez responds to Jake Paul’s $200 million fight offer

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Canelo Alvarez responds to Jake Paul’s $200m fight offer

Jake Paul’s claim that he found $200 million specifically for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez sparked a direct response from the Mexican champion.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer was scheduled to collide with Canelo in May 2025, but Turki Alalshikh stepped in and signed the then super middleweight king to a multi-fight contract.

It made Alvarez a two-time undisputed champion against William Scull before losing his four major titles in a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September.

However, since Crawford announced his retirement and vacated the belts, Canelo is scheduled to fight for the world title in September this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.

The most likely opponent seems to be WBC champion Christian Mbilli, who is coming off a fascinating draw with Lester Martinez on the Canelo-Crawford card.

However, despite this plan, Paul appears to be trying to get back into his game with the 35-year-old, insisting that a $200 million purse remains up for grabs.

The 29-year-old revealed the news on a live broadcast earlier this week, suggesting it is the “biggest fight” in boxing.

“Canelo, I have $200 million for you. Uncomplicated money. Jake Paul vs. Canelo – let’s finish it. This is what the fans have been waiting for; this is the biggest fight you can have in boxing. I think this will be the next fight.

In response, Canelo simply posted three laughing emojis on his Instagram story, signaling that Paul’s offer was not to be taken seriously.

After all, there is A a chance the American may never box again, given the injuries he sustained to his jaw after being knocked out by Anthony Joshua in December.

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Jake Paul claims he would have made Canelo $300 million

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Image: Jake Paul Claims Canelo Fight Would Pay Him $300 Million

Jake Paul responded to Canelo Alvarez after the undisputed super middleweight champion previously reacted to talk of a potential fight between the two with laughing emojis on social media.

While greeting fans and media during a public appearance this week, Jake was asked what financial terms he believed would be needed to make the fight happen.


“Yes, 200 [million] for him 300[millionformeWe’llfinalizethedealEasywork”-PaulsaidintheinterviewwithFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo[milionówdlamnieSfinalizujemytransakcjęŁatwapraca”–powiedziałPaulwrozmowiezFightHubTVzapytanyomożliwąumowęzCanelo[millionformeWe’llgetthedealdoneEasywork”saidPaultoFightHubTVwhenaskedaboutapossibledealwithCanelo

The comment immediately drew attention due to the huge figure associated with the fight. Jake has continued to call for a fight with Canelo over the past year, despite criticism from many boxing fans and fighters who viewed the fight as unrealistic.

Jake was then asked about Canelo and responded with laughing emojis when the topic of a fight between the two came up online.

“I don’t know what that means, but he won’t laugh when I kick his ass,” Paul said.

The rivalry between the two continues to escalate publicly through interviews and exchanges on social media, even though no official negotiations have been announced.

Jake has mentioned Canelo multiple times in interviews over the past year, keeping the possibility of a future fight circulating despite widespread skepticism in boxing circles.

Canelo is currently scheduled to face Christian Mbilli later this year in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, while Jake continues to rehabilitate from injuries suffered in his December 2025 fight against Anthony Joshua.

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Last updated: 16/05/2026 at 7:21

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Audley Harrison candid verdict on Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: ‘He only has one way to win’

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Audley Harrison delivers honest verdict on Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: “He only has one way to win”

Audley Harrison wondered how fellow Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua would fare against Tyson Fury later this year.

Both agreed to clash in the long-awaited heavyweight showdown, but only if “AJ” successfully completes his next fight against Kristian Prenga.

He hasn’t fought since knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round in DecemberJoshua is now preparing for his clash with Prenga on July 25 in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.

This is his first assignment since he lost two of his closest friends in a car accident in Nigeria, where he was also involved in the tragic incident.

Naturally, he spent the next few months recovering from his injuries, although Joshua now appears to be getting closer to a showdown with Fury.

Meanwhile, “The Gypsy King” has already finished his pre-fight, ending a 16-month break with Arslanbek Makhmudov, whom he outpointed by unanimous decision last month.

Shortly after the triumphant victory, Fury called out Joshua, who was sitting at ringside, refusing to take part in the fight.

But at the same time, Harrison did he told Sky Sports that he saw a fire in the 36-year-old’s eyes, dazzling enough to suggest he was ready for the task ahead.

“From a boxing point of view, it’s a sexy fight because style makes fight.

“[Joshua] he can’t win the fight by trying to box Fury – he has to go in there, break him down and try to eliminate him. This is the only way he can win this fight.

“You’re fighting a champion boxer who knows how to slip [and] slide. after [Makhmudov] fight…he [Joshua] he looked at Fury [with intent].

“When they get into that fight, he’s going to take the fire – everything he went through after his friends died.”

Despite getting back into the win column after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, Fury clearly wants to enter his second warm-up fight.

Whether that happens remains to be seen, but he certainly wouldn’t be willing to risk a potential clash with Joshua.

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