Oleksandr Usyk is reportedly planning a return to cruiserweight to fight David Benavidez in what his adviser calls the 'final chapter' of his career. The 39-year-old Ukrainian, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, last fought in May, defeating Rico Verhoeven. Despite expectations of a heavyweight farewell, adviser Sergey Lapin says Usyk aims to drop down a division.
He wants to win a vacant cruiserweight world title in 2027, then face undefeated American Benavidez to unify all belts and become undisputed champion again. Usyk previously dominated at cruiserweight, winning 16 fights and becoming undisputed before moving to heavyweight in 2019. There, he became a two-time undisputed champion, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois twice each, maintaining an undefeated record of 25 fights.
Benavidez, 29, is also undefeated with 32 wins and holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. He is set to fight Michal Cieslak for the WBC belt on 5 December, while the IBF title is vacant.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing