Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to cruiserweight for his next fight as he pursues a potential superfight with American David Benavidez. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion also hopes to unify all four major world titles in the division for a second time.
This was reported by The Ring.
According to Usyk’s adviser Serhii Lapin, the Ukrainian wants to face Benavidez when the American is at his best. Usyk also intends to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion once again.
Usyk last competed at cruiserweight in November 2018, when he knocked out Tony Bellew in the eighth round. Since then, he has fought nine times at heavyweight, most recently against Rico Verhoeven in May near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Usyk won that fight by an 11th-round stoppage.
The Ukrainian has a professional record of 25 wins, including 16 knockouts, with no defeats. In June, he vacated the IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles.
Benavidez is also undefeated, with 32 wins, including 26 knockouts. The American holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight belts and is scheduled to face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5. A victory would allow him to unify three of the division’s four major titles. The IBF belt is currently vacant.
Benavidez also plans to fight The Ring cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and Artur Beterbiev. The American has said a bout with Usyk could take place at either cruiserweight or heavyweight.
Usyk previously held talks over a fight with Deontay Wilder in the United States, but negotiations stalled over financial disagreements.
As The Ring notes, the main question is whether Usyk, who turns 40 in January, is prepared to wait for Benavidez’s other fights. If the Ukrainian returns to cruiserweight in the first half of 2027, his bout would most likely have to take place before Benavidez faces Opetaia.
