Oleksandr Usyk explains why he will not fight Jake Paul after Rico Verhoeven clash

Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk is determined to make significant "noise" before concluding a career that has cemented his status as one of boxing’s most dominant figures, a drive that will see him face a champion kickboxer in an unusual spectacle this month. The Ukrainian pugilist is set to meet Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on 23 May, a bout that underscores his willingness to embrace unconventional challenges. While Usyk embraces such high-profile crossover fights, one particular celebrity boxing match remains off the table.

Despite the growing trend of boxers engaging with influencer-turned-prizefighters, Usyk has ruled out a clash with YouTube star Jake Paul. "I don’t know because Jake (is) my friend now," Usyk told The Associated Press. "With Jake (a) fight is not possible, I think.

" Usyk, however, is not dismissive of the broader phenomenon of boxers taking on lucrative and often unusual opponents from different sports. Jake Paul, right, was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in December (JC Ruiz/PA) (PA Media) Jake Paul and his brother Logan, who rose to fame as YouTubers, have notably fought legendary boxers like Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather also previously stepped into the ring with UFC champion Conor McGregor and kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.

The appeal of these contests was starkly illustrated in December when Jake Paul faced Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion. Joshua, still competing at the sport’s elite level at 36, knocked Paul out in six rounds, with Paul later revealing his jaw was broken in two places. Usyk understands the draw of such events, even if they attract criticism from boxing purists.