Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Kamaru Usman might have a welterweight title defense against Leon Edwards on tap at UFC 278 on Aug. 20, but he’s already looking ahead to a fresh challenge.
Usman told TMZ Sports in an interview published on Tuesday he wants a date with boxing star Canelo Alvarez at some point.
“It’s never been done, pound-for-pound versus pound-for-pound,” he said. “And, they’re significantly close in weight classes to be able to do it — why not?! … When you hear that that fight’s announced, everyone’s going to be watching that fight.”
Usman first told TMZ Sports in March he was hopeful of fighting Alvarez in the fall. He thought the event could net revenues of nine figures.
In April, Usman and Alvarez exchanged words on social media:
Canelo Alvarez @Canelo
I agree cuz it will not be me 👊🏻 Read More
Kamaru Usman admits fighting Jake Paul would be a gamble, explains why he prefers Canelo Alvarez
August 9, 2022 2:45 pm ET
Kamaru Usman doesn’t see too much to gain from boxing Jake Paul.
It would be a lucrative payday for the UFC welterweight champion and No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, but Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC) thinks the risk outweighs the reward. That’s why he continues to express interest in boxing undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, a massive challenge that would also result in a big payday.
“Me fighting Jake Paul, I’m helping him,” Usman said on the “I Am Athlete” podcast. “I beat Jake Paul, nobody cares. You’re supposed to bea
