Few people realize that Alex Pereira’s combat journey began not in kickboxing, but as an amateur boxer. That’s right—the same man who sent shockwaves in the world of MMA first made his mark with his heavy hands. And he didn’t just dabble—over the course of 28 fights, Pereira racked up 25 wins, all by knockout. Much like his contemporaries, the Sao Paulo recently native expressed a desire to crossover to the boxing ring. But ‘Poatan’ isn’t looking for just any opponent—he wants the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion since Lennox Lewis in 2003—Oleksandr Usyk, .

It seems Usyk is also interested in fighting the Brazilian. Usyk recently revealed that he likely has only two fights left before retirement. First, he wants the winner of the upcoming Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker bout for the IBF title. And the second? “Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Maybe, why not?” Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen is also excited about the whole idea. While there has been no announcement of the fight, Sonnen took to his channel to share his take on the fight.

He said, “I think Usyk is serious. Francis and Fury was a disaster from a financial standpoint. However, if the world knew it was gonna turn into such a treat they would have done great numbers. They could have sold out arenas.” Sonnen then made it clear that how the Brazilian and the boxing champion are pretty much of the same size which makes the possible fight even more interesting.

He further added, “If Pereira did not gain any weight—none. What he walks around now that you know that 230 number. If he just weighed that against Usyk they’re basically the same size.” He then left a question for the fans and urged them to share their opinion on the whole.

Usyk certainly seems interested in the fight, and he’s not the kind to make empty promises. When the Ukrainian champion speaks, he means every word of it. Only if the fight ever happens—what will the outcome of the fight be—is one of the biggest question. It seems Alex Pereira doesn’t even stand a chance.

Alex Pereira is a mismatch for Oleksandr Usyk feels former boxing legend

Many UFC fighters are eager to step into the boxing ring, lured by the promise of bigger paychecks and greater media attention. What truly surprised everyone, was Oleksandr Usyk’s openness to return the favor towards Alex Pereira. In an age where celebrity boxing and crossover bouts are commonplace, Usyk has stayed true to his roots—always pursuing the toughest challenges and the highest level of competition.

Oleksandr Usyk never showed any interest in venturing beyond the world of traditional boxing before accepting Pereira’s challenge. His unexpected willingness to face the UFC light heavyweight champion before hanging up his gloves took the combat sports world by surprise.

Many fans are eager to see the matchup unfold. However, British boxing legend Carl Froch isn’t as excited about the prospect of this crossover clash. Froch took to his YouTube channel and made it clear that despite ‘Poatan’ being a heavy puncher he doesn’t hold a chance against Usyk.

He said, “I watched Alex Pereira sparring on YouTube and he’s okay. He’s a little bit upright, chin’s in the air a bit, but it’s just he’s a bit bolt rigid and no head movement and quite basic. So Usyk against Pereira in a boxing match based on what I’ve seen of Pereira… Oleksandr Usyk against Pereira in a boxing ring for me, it’s a mismatch. It’s not really something I’d want to see”. The Brazilian may not have the best technique but he does have a devastating knockout power.

Can Alex Pereira beat Oleksandr Usky in a boxing fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.