Oleksandr Usyk offers his verdict on Dana White’s new boxing league with Saudi chief – after being ordered to face Joseph Parker

Oleksandr Usyk said he would ‘consider’ participating in Dana White‘s new boxing league in partnership with Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh earlier this month.

The duo announced the long-awaited initiative after signing a deal with TKO Group, the company that houses both UFC and WWE, which will be responsible for the day-to-day running.

White has been a long-time admirer of Turki Alalshikh as the famous adviser played a huge part in UFC’s events in Saudi Arabia over the last year.

Usyk, meanwhile, already announced that he is set for two more boxing bouts – one defence of his belts, while a second ‘show-fight’ will conclude his illustrious career.

However, when quizzed whether he would compete in the new league, the Ukrainian icon has spoken positively.

‘Amazing, amazing idea,’ he said in an interview with Al Arabiya. ‘I think His Excellency is doing a lot for the sport. It is wonderful that new initiatives are created and I support it. 

Oleksandr Usyk said he would ‘consider’ participating in Dana White’s new boxing league

The UFC president announced the initiative in partnership with Turki Alalshikh under the TKO umbrella

Usyk’s comments came after he was ordered by WBO to defend his titles against Joseph Parker

‘Many people think things may not work, but it is important to do new things. Always.

‘I am not against it, but I haven’t been invited to participate in this league but if such a proposal comes through, my team and I will seriously consider it.’

White and his partners are planning to stage four ‘mega-events’ over the following two years while the former undisputed heavyweight will undoubtedly be considered.

TKO did not announce the name of the league, but the deal marked the latest move in Saudi Arabia’s massive spending on sports, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Alalshikh, meanwhile, has been the face of the biggest boxing bouts over the past years, such as two matches between Usyk and Tyson Fury as well as Artur Beterbiev’s fights with Dmitry Bivol.

The initiative is expected to follow a similar path to UFC after White announced that there will be only one belt in each weight division, the number of which will be reduced compared to the current model.

However, until then, it is understood that the WBO has 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 Bukole on short notice bout following Dubois’ pulled out of their fight due to an illness. 

But previously, reports emerged of a potential rematch clash between Usyk and Daniel Dubois

In a recent interview, the Ukrainian expressed his desire to organise a boxing match against former UFC light heavyweight and middleweight champion Alex Pereira

In an interview before Parker’s bout with the Englishman was cancelled, Usyk said: ‘I will fight whoever will win [between Parker and Dubois].

‘Joseph Parker, Daniel Dubois, no problem. I think two years, one-and-a-half [left in boxing].

‘I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare [for], not more. Just two.’ 

Previously, Usyk expressed his desire to face the former UFC light heavyweight and middleweight champion Alex Pereira in a show-match to mark the end of his career.

However, whether these talks will be held remains unknown, considering that the Brazilian lost his title against Magomed Ankalaev earlier this month.