In a stunningly blunt dismissal, Oleksandr Usyk's team has responded to Jake Paul's challenge for a mixed martial arts fight with just four words.
The Four-Word Verdict
Sergey Lapin, a key member of Oleksandr Usyk's team, effectively shut down the proposed showdown when questioned about the potential crossover bout. His response on Instagram was as concise as it was dismissive: "what are you smoking?"
This sharp retort comes after Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, included beating the Ukrainian heavyweight champion in his ambitious five-year plan unveiled back in September.
Paul's Ambitious Five-Year Plan
"I just finished writing my Jake Paul 2030 five-year plan, signed and delivered," the 28-year-old American declared on social media. His goals were nothing if not ambitious: "Become world champion, become a billionaire, have three kids and get married to Jutta. Beat (Oleksandr) Usyk, win an Oscar, fight on the moon, and start a presidential campaign."
Usyk, never one to shy away from a verbal exchange, initially responded with what seemed like interest. On X, formerly Twitter, he posted: "Good plan, Jake Paul. But I'm not here for 5th place — only first. Soon, I'll close the book on boxing, and after that, I'll be waiting for you in the cage. Let's see if you've got the balls or just a hunger for hype."
Usyk's Current Focus: Helping Joshua
The plot thickens as Jake Paul prepares for his most significant boxing challenge yet—a scheduled eight-round bout against former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami. The fight will stream live on Netflix and count on both fighters' professional records.
In a fascinating twist, Usyk has been helping Joshua prepare for the encounter. Lapin explained the collaboration to OLBG: "Nothing happens by accident. AJ is someone who's always looking to grow. That's why he reached out — he wants new solutions and honest work that can take him to the next level."
He clarified the nature of their work together: "AJ came over, he and Usyk worked together, but there was no sparring — Jake Paul isn't a southpaw, so it didn't make sense. He shared his experience during the preparation process."
Jake Paul holds a professional boxing record of 12-1, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury two years ago. Despite his foray into MMA with a lucrative PFL deal signed in 2023, he has yet to make his debut in the SmartCage.
