Photo: Getty Images
Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is considering moving back down to cruiserweight for a high-profile showdown with American boxer David Benavidez. His team has also outlined a possible scenario for the final stage of his career.
The information was reported by The Ring insider Mike Coppinger.
Usyk’s potential return to cruiserweight
According to the report, Coppinger spoke with Serhii Lapin, director of Usyk’s team, in Riyadh. Lapin discussed the Ukrainian boxer’s plans to return to the cruiserweight division.
According to talkSPORT, Usyk could first pursue the vacant IBF cruiserweight title before targeting an undisputed championship fight against Benavidez. Such a path could give the Ukrainian another opportunity to become the undisputed world champion.
However, these remain plans being considered by Usyk’s team. No fight has been officially agreed.
What a move back down could mean for Usyk
A return to cruiserweight would take Usyk back to the division where he achieved historic success. In 2018, he became the undisputed cruiserweight champion after defeating Russia’s Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series final.
Usyk subsequently moved up to heavyweight, where he went on to collect all the major championship belts. He could now attempt to repeat his undisputed achievement after returning to a lower weight class.
Benavidez, meanwhile, is one of the leading fighters at cruiserweight and holds WBA and WBO championship titles.
A potential fight between Usyk and the American could take place in 2027.
