Alex Pereira Challenges Oleksandr Usyk for September Boxing Match…

Alex Pereira has challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a boxing match in September, following the announcement of a new boxing promotion by Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings. Pereira expressed excitement about the match during a media day, noting mutual interest in the fight. With a strong MMA background and a past boxing victory, Pereira aims to potentially become the first three-division champion in UFC history.

Alex Pereira has officially challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a boxing match scheduled for September in Saudi Arabia. This statement followed the announcement of a multi-year collaboration between Turki Alalshikh and TKO Group Holdings, aimed at launching a new boxing promotion with significant backing from UFC President Dana White and WWE’s Nick Khan. This partnership is poised to transform the landscape of combat sports.

During his media day in advance of UFC 313, Pereira expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of a match with Usyk. “Absolutely, I was hyped, I was happy when I heard the news [of the new promotion],” he stated. He noted ongoing mutual interest, asserting that it ultimately depends on the organizations involved to facilitate this highly anticipated fight. Pereira acknowledged the potential significance of their match but remained cautious about its comparability to the high-profile Mayweather vs. McGregor bout in 2017.

This isn’t the first time Pereira has voiced interest in facing Usyk. Usyk previously mentioned, “Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Maybe. Why not? Alex wants to,” indicating an openness to the idea. Pereira, a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion with GLORY Kickboxing, boasts a strong MMA record of 12-2, including a notable 9-1 record in the UFC. He has secured significant victories, including those against top fighters such as Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka.

Pereira views himself as a leading figure in the UFC, emphasizing his successful year: “I believe so [that I’m the biggest star and face of the UFC].” His professional boxing experience includes one match in 2017, where he achieved a TKO victory, and an impressive amateur record of 25 wins, all by KO. Currently competing at 205 pounds, Pereira aims to arrange a super fight against UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, striving to make history as the first three-division champion in UFC history.

In conclusion, Alex Pereira’s challenge to Oleksandr Usyk for a boxing match reflects both fighters’ interests and the potential evolution of combat sports influenced by new promotional partnerships. Pereira’s impressive record in MMA and his singular boxing experience enhance the anticipation surrounding their proposed September bout in Saudi Arabia. The outcome of this fight, if realized, could redefine both fighters’ legacies in their respective sports.

Original Source: ringmagazine.com