Three-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, in an interview with Mike Coppinger for DAZN following the bout between Saul Alvarez and Christian M'billi, outlined his plans for the next stage of his career. The Ukrainian openly confirmed his interest in a showdown with undefeated American David Benavidez and explained the conditions under which he is ready to return to cruiserweight — a division he last fought in back in November 2018.
"I've already cleaned out the heavyweight division"
In conversation with the journalist, Usyk made no secret of the fact that he views a bout with Benavidez as one of his top priorities. "I've already cleaned out the heavyweight division and I'm returning to my weight category," the Ukrainian stated. When asked about his current weight, he replied that he currently weighs around 96–97 kg, which corresponds to the upper limit of cruiserweight (up to 90.7 kg) with a slight excess, but close to the cruiserweight limit. The boxer emphasized that he would like to face opponents at their peak form, which, according to him, makes a potential fight with Benavidez especially attractive.
Benavidez: 32-0 and two championship belts
David Benavidez, holding a record of 32 wins without defeat (25 knockouts), currently holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight championship belts. For Usyk, whose record stands at 25-0 (16 KOs), such a bout would be a meeting of two undefeated fighters with undisputed status in their divisions. "If I have the opportunity to return to cruiserweight, I will return. It's going to be a big fight because Benavidez is a big champion. Well, and I am too, a little bit," Usyk added with characteristic irony.
Cruiserweight return: Context and chronology
Usyk last fought at cruiserweight in November 2018, when he knocked out Briton Tony Bellew in the eighth round. At that time, the Ukrainian held all the major championship belts of the division and had the status of undisputed world champion. After that, he moved up to heavyweight, where he conquered the undisputed summit twice, unifying all the major titles. Thus, a potential return to cruiserweight could open a new loud page in Usyk's career, where he will face opponents unfamiliar to him from the heavyweight division.
Before the Usyk fight — a unification bout against Cieslak
However, before a potential meeting with the Ukrainian, Benavidez has an important battle ahead. On December 5, the American will face WBC champion Michal Cieslak in a unification bout. The outcome of this fight and further agreements between the parties can directly affect the organization and timing of a potential bout with Usyk. That is why the final decision on the format and date of the fight will be made after Benavidez completes his current mandatory bout.
Broader context: What else is known about Usyk's plans
Earlier in boxing circles, information appeared that Deontay Wilder had agreed to a fight with an undefeated champion, which adds extra tension to the balance of power in heavyweight and cruiserweight. Usyk, meanwhile, positions himself as a fighter ready for challenges in any division where he remains competitive. His current weight of 96–97 kg and confirmed interest in Benavidez indicate that the question of returning to cruiserweight could be resolved in the coming months, as soon as the outcome of the Benavidez vs. Cieslak fight is determined.
