Oleksandr Usyk targets another title run

The Ukrainian plans to return to cruiserweight in 2027, with David Benavidez reportedly in his sights.

Oleksandr Usyk has announced that his time in the heavyweight division is over and that he would like to fight his final bouts in a different weight class.

The Ukrainian is one of the most successful boxers in history and remained undefeated throughout his entire career. With victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, he became the undisputed heavyweight world champion. However, that era is now over after he decided to relinquish all his titles. At the time, though, he announced one final fight. There were many rumors about who he might fight, but now things seem to be taking a different turn. Before moving up to heavyweight, he was, in fact, the cruiserweight world champion. He apparently wants to regain that status and is therefore planning to move back down to cruiserweight in 2027, with David Benavidez reportedly in his sights.

On Saturday evening, Oleksandr Usyk confirmed these plans.

"I cleaned out heavyweight, and now I’ll go back to my weight. Today there is a change at heavyweight; if I have an opportunity at cruiserweight, I’m back. It’s a big fight because Benavidez is a big champion. When I have an opportunity, I take this opportunity. This is life"

he said.

Oleksandr Usyk is reportedly set to fight for the vacant title first, before facing David Benavidez in a unification bout for multiple titles. He’s already achieved several historic milestones in his career. If he were to dominate the cruiserweight division again at his age, it would be another highlight of his career. What do you think?

I didn’t expect him to set his sights on such a big goal again. I thought there would be one or two big fights coming up, but not another title run in a different division. I’m pretty surprised, but I’m looking forward to it. What do you think?