Usyk Eyes Cruiserweight Return to Challenge Benavidez for Undisputed Title
The Ukrainian boxer plans to return to cruiserweight to face David Benavidez, aiming to become undisputed champion once more.
Oleksandr Usyk, the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, is planning a return to the cruiserweight division to challenge David Benavidez for the undisputed title, reported multiple sources. This strategic move comes after Usyk's last bout against Rico Verhoeven in May, where he showcased his versatility as a fighter 12.
Usyk’s adviser, Sergey Lapin, revealed that the Ukrainian star has set his sights on becoming the undisputed champion in the cruiserweight category once again in 2027. This ambition aligns with Usyk’s broader goal of making history in boxing, having already achieved significant milestones in the heavyweight division 13.
David Benavidez, who currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, is set to defend his WBC belt on December 5th. If Usyk decides to return to cruiserweight, he would likely face Benavidez for the undisputed title, a match that could redefine the landscape of the cruiserweight division 23.
Usyk’s decision to potentially switch back to cruiserweight is not without precedent. He previously held all four belts in the cruiserweight category before transitioning to the heavyweight division in 2019. His record of 25-0 with 16 knockouts speaks to his dominance in the ring, and his recent relinquishment of his heavyweight titles in June 2023 signals his readiness for new challenges 3.
While Usyk’s return to cruiserweight is a significant development, it also impacts his potential matchups in other weight classes. Tyson Fury, who has expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Usyk, may now have to adjust his plans due to Usyk’s shift in focus 23.
Benavidez, with an undefeated record of 32-0 and 26 knockouts, presents a formidable opponent for Usyk. The IBF cruiserweight title is currently vacant, adding another layer of intrigue to the potential matchup between these two champions 3.
What we know
- - Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to cruiserweight to fight David Benavidez before retiring 123
- - Usyk's last fight was against Rico Verhoeven in May 12
- - Usyk aims to become undisputed cruiserweight champion again in 2027 13
- - David Benavidez holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and will fight for the WBC belt on December 5th 13
- - Usyk would likely face Benavidez for the undisputed title if he returns to cruiserweight 23
- - Tyson Fury had hoped for a trilogy fight with Usyk 2
- - Usyk's last fight as a heavyweight was against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt 2
- - Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion 3
- - Usyk has a record of 25-0 with 16 knockouts 3
- - Usyk previously held all four belts at cruiserweight before moving to heavyweight in 2019 3
- - Usyk became undisputed champion twice at heavyweight, defeating Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois 3
- - Usyk relinquished his heavyweight titles in June 2023 3
- - David Benavidez is an undefeated champion with a record of 32-0 and 26 knockouts 3
- - The IBF cruiserweight title is currently vacant 3
- - Benavidez expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight and fighting Usyk 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 75%, weighted across 17 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to cruiserweight to fight David Benavidez before retiring. (94%)
- confirmed Oleksandr Usyk's last fight was against Rico Verhoeven in May. (87%)
- confirmed Sergey Lapin, Usyk's adviser, stated that Usyk aims to become undisputed cruiserweight champion again in 2027. (87%)
- confirmed David Benavidez holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and will fight for the WBC belt on December 5th. (87%)
- confirmed If Usyk returns to cruiserweight, he would likely face David Benavidez for the undisputed title. (85%)
- likely Tyson Fury had hoped for a trilogy fight with Usyk. (71%)
- likely Usyk's last fight as a heavyweight was against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. (71%)
- likely A potential move by Usyk to cruiserweight could affect plans for a third fight with Tyson Fury. (71%)
- likely Oleksandr Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. (71%)
- likely Oleksandr Usyk has a record of 25-0 with 16 knockouts. (71%)
- likely Oleksandr Usyk previously held all four belts at cruiserweight before moving to heavyweight in 2019. (71%)
- likely Oleksandr Usyk became undisputed champion twice at heavyweight, defeating Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois. (71%)
- likely Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his heavyweight titles in June 2023. (71%)
- likely David Benavidez is an undefeated champion with a record of 32-0 and 26 knockouts. (71%)
- likely The IBF cruiserweight title is currently vacant. (71%)
- likely Benavidez expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight and fighting Usyk. (71%)
- unverified Jai Opetaia was stripped of the IBF cruiserweight title in March. (53%)
Sources
- BBC Sport — Usyk eyes 'final chapter' at cruiserweight against Benavidez
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/articles/crpdg3qwjg4eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss - Sky Sports — Usyk considering cruiserweight return 'to make history again'
https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/13606389/oleksandr-usyk-is-considering-a-return-to-cruiserweight-casting-tyson-furys-hopes-of-a-trilogy-fight-into-doubt - ESPN Boxing — Usyk eyes Benavidez mega-fight at cruiserweight
https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/50335161/oleksandr-usyk-eyes-david-benavidez-clash-cruiserweight