Oleksandr Usyk has teased a potential switch to MMA after previously calling out former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
The 38-year-old has insisted that he would be open to setting up a fight in the octagon rather than the ring - but only after defending his belts against Daniel Dubois or Joseph Parker.
In a fresh interview with Al Arabiya, Usyk reflected on his future, having previously announced he would have just two more bouts in boxing.
'We want to fight Dubois,' he said unequivocally. 'My team is ready.
'A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight.
'I think there would be obstacles otherwise.'
One key obstacle would be the WBO, who have ordered Usyk to defend his title against Parker despite his desire for a rematch against Dubois with an IBF belt at stake.
It comes after the New Zeeland star defeated Martin Bakole on short notice after Dubois pulled out of their fight due to an illness.
However, the possibility of switching to MMA comes after the Ukrainian star previously revealed he is training in multiple martial arts besides boxing, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, judo and sambo.
It is well known that Usyk is an MMA supporter, incorporating several disciplines into his famous footwork and swift movement in the ring.
Quizzed on whether a code switch is actually a genuine ambition of his, the Ukrainian replied positively.
'Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to merge our belts,' said Usyk.
'I even considered the option of fighting in a cage. It is a joke, but every joke contains an element of truth.'
Speculations between Usyk and Pereira's showdown appeared after the Ukrainian said in February that he plans to fight twice before retiring and named the UFC star one of his desired opponents.
The Brazilian was quick to reply in an interview prior to his title fight against Magomed Ankalaev.
Pereira said: 'I’m not looking too [far] ahead, do you know what I mean? 37. Honestly, these things didn’t come to my mind – "which one".
'But what I think for the future, what I have in hand, is either Dricus (Du Plessis), Jon Jones, or even fighting Oleksandr Usyk in boxing.
'I see those possibly happening, as a possibility. It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on the UFC; whatever the UFC want me to do, I’ll do it.'
However, these plans might have changed after Pereira lost his light heavyweight belt to Ankalaev earlier this month.
It is understood that UFC are planning a rematch for the second half of this year, with the Russian fighter calling out the former champion in a recent X post following the controversial decision on their first bout.
