Oleksandr Usyk urged to battle UFC king Alex Pereira in retirement bout
It's UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira who should grace Oleksandr Usyk in his final bout, according to one boxing coach
Boxing legend Teddy Atlas has called for Oleksandr Usyk to take on UFC star Alex Pereira in his final fight. The Ukrainian hasn't stepped into the ring since his devastating knockout win over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July.
The 38-year-old previously stated he had just two more bouts left before hanging up his gloves, but has since performed a dramatic about-turn on his retirement plans. Usyk - who celebrates his 39th birthday in January - is anticipated to make his comeback next year.
The two-time undisputed heavyweight champion recently pledged to continue competing until he reaches 41. "I will box until I am 41. And then I will build a sports academy and train there, and I will train there," he said.
The heavyweight king appears destined to face Fabio Wardley next, following the British fighter's victory over Joseph Parker in London at the weekend. Beyond that clash, Usyk's future opponents remain uncertain.
However, whenever the Ukrainian does choose to call time on his career, Atlas is keen to witness him square off against Pereira in a crossover showdown. In a chat with OLBG, the renowned boxing coach stated: "He's been like a machine. The Olympics, consolidating all the Cruiserweight titles, all the wins.
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Usyk has previously expressed interest in a face-off with the UFC light-heavyweight champion. Earlier this year in February, he told TNT Boxing: "First, it's who wins the next fight on February 22." He added: "Next, maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Maybe. Why not? Alex wants to [fight]."
Pereira was quick to respond to the Ukrainian's remarks and issued an immediate reply. "Absolutely, I was hyped, I was happy when I heard the news [of the new boxing promotion]," Pereira said ahead of his UFC 313 fight against Magomed Ankalaev.
"Who knows [if the fight could happen.] September. Saudi Arabia. Chama. I think I was the one to show interest first [in the Usyk fight]. Then Usyk said he would like to fight, too. He also showed interest. So now we're both interested in the fight. I think it just comes down to the organization to show interest too and make this fight happen.
"I don't know [if it will be bigger than the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor fight in 2017]. I cannot tell yet. We know the level of popularity that both of those guys have. I think [it will be] a little step behind ... Let's see how it goes."
Pereira suffered an unexpected loss to Ankalaev in Las Vegas back in March, but claimed back the 205lb title from the Russian earlier this month. Straight after that victory, 'Poatan' made clear his ambition to step up to heavyweight and challenge for another UFC championship.
Given his recent statements, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Brazilian eventually make the switch to boxing and land a lucrative bout with Usyk.