UFC superstar could face boxing champion in cross-code super-fight after bombshell announcement

A UFC superstar could face a boxing world champion in a cross-code super-fight after Dana White's bombshell announcement.

White has officially entered the world of boxing, having created a new league with Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh.

On Tuesday, the UFC CEO and Alalshikh announced they have signed a historic deal to start a new boxing league under the TKO banner, which owns the UFC and WWE.

"We have just done a deal to start a new boxing league with Turki, who absolutely loves the sport of boxing," White said in a video on social media.

Alalshikh added: "I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again."

The new boxing promotion will feature a 'highly structured system' to develop new talent from around the world, including athlete combines and academies.

It will also feature TKO's production, media and promotional expertise while all boxers will have access to the UFC Performance Institute.

UFC superstar could face a current boxing world champion after Dana White's new boxing league

It remains to be seen what fights are made following the creation of the new boxing league and whether White will match any of his UFC stars against boxers.

But cross-code bouts could become a possibility after White's entry into boxing.

And a monster fight has already been talked up ahead of potential discussions.

Last month, world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk teased a possible clash against UFC light-heavyweight title holder Alex Pereira.

Usyk vs. Pereira is no longer a distant possibility following the announcement of TKO's boxing league.

Alex Pereira celebrates defending his UFC light-heavyweight title. Image: Getty

Asked what's next, having scored back-to-back victories over Tyson Fury, Usyk replied: "Next? Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Why not?"

Pereira himself is keen to do a boxing match and responded to the Ukrainian mentioning his name.

"I’ve said that before, that I would really like to do a boxing match. And was asked against who," he said. "Since I’m the champion, I said it would have to be against a champion, and he’s the champion. And now he’s given an interview and mentioned my name."

Usyk, who has fought under the Riyadh Season banner in his last two fights, has no bout lined up while Pereira is set to defend his UFC title against Magomed Ankalaev this weekend.