---
title: "Oleksandr Usyk Targets Surprising Opponent: David Benavidez Responds to Potential Challenge"
description: "Former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk plans to fight undefeated American David Benavidez in 2027. The potential opponent has already confirmed his interest."
date: 2026-10-10T17:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/usyk-targets-surprising-opponent-benavidez-responds
tags: [oleksandr-usyk, david-benavidez, boxing, heavyweight, wba, wbo]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Oleksandr Usyk Targets Surprising Opponent: David Benavidez Responds to Potential Challenge

![Oleksandr Usyk in the ring during a championship bout](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/10/usik-natsilivsya-na-neozhidannogo-sopernika-benavides-otvetil/usik-natsilivsya-na-neozhidannogo-sopernika-benavides-otvetil-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Oleksandr Usyk aims for a fight against David Benavidez in 2027
- Negotiations with Deontay Wilder were terminated
- David Benavidez confirmed interest in the fight but is considering other options
- No official confirmation of talks between the teams exists yet

Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has surprised many experts and fans by showing serious interest in a bout against undefeated American boxer David Benavidez. According to authoritative sports insiders, the Ukrainian champion is exploring the possibility of organizing this high-profile clash in 2027. This information surfaced against the backdrop of reports that preliminary negotiations regarding a potential fight between the Ukrainian and former world champion Deontay Wilder had been completely called off.

### David Benavidez's Reaction and the American's Plans

 The potential opponent of the Ukrainian champion did not ignore the emerging rumors and openly commented on the possibility of such a mega-fight. David Benavidez confirmed that he is also actively trying to set up this battle, though he emphasized that he has alternative options for continuing his career. In particular, the American fighter noted that his priorities also include potential bouts against Jai Opetaia during the May holidays or even a meeting with British heavyweight Tyson Fury. Benavidez remains undefeated as a professional and holds the prestigious WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles, making him an extremely attractive and dangerous opponent.### Contradictory Data

Despite active media discussion and statements from the athletes themselves, the situation surrounding the potential fight remains uncertain. There has been no official confirmation of direct contract negotiations starting between the promotional teams of Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez at this time. Furthermore, the American's plans directly depend on the outcome of other negotiations, including organizing his performance against Jai Opetaia on Cinco de Mayo, which could significantly shift the timeline or cancel the potential meeting with the Ukrainian champion altogether.

### Weight Class Context and Prospects for 2027

 Oleksandr Usyk's interest in moving to or organizing a fight with a light heavyweight or catchweight division fighter opens a new intrigue in global professional boxing. Previously, the media actively discussed the reasons why other renowned athletes, such as Agit Kabayel, never received the long-awaited chance to share the ring with the Ukrainian champion. Now, the focus has shifted to Benavidez, who demonstrates phenomenal results and dominates his division. Experts note that if the parties can overcome organizational difficulties and agree on all financial and weight nuances, the Usyk vs. Benavidez fight will become one of the grandest events in world sports in 2027.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Усик нацелился на неожиданного соперника: американец уже ответил на возможный вызов.](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/usik-natsilivsya-nespodivanogo-supernika-1791654248.html) - Первичный материал со ссылкой на Майка Коппинджера.
- [Не Фьюри и не Уайлдер: Усик выбрал самого неожиданного соперника для следующего боя](https://24tv.ua/sporttopnews/ru/sledujushhij-boj-usika-ukrainec-vybral-sebe-neozhidannogo-sopernika_n3157847) - Детали о прекращении переговоров с Уайлдером и планах Бенавидеса.
- [Усик нацелился на бой против непобедимого чемпиона из США — известна дата](https://sport.nv.ua/boxing/aleksandr-usik-vybral-novogo-sopernika-poedinok-s-davidom-benavidesom-v-2027-godu-50648816.html) - Упоминание даты поединка в 2027 году.
- [Усику устроят громкий бой в 2027 году? Подробности](https://vesti.kz/profi/usiku-ustroyat-gromkiy-boy-v-2027-godu-podrobnosti-380990/) - Анализ вариантов продолжения карьеры Бенавидеса.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Who is Oleksandr Usyk's potential new opponent?
**A:** Undefeated American boxer David Benavidez, who holds the WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles.

### Q: When could this bout take place?
**A:** The fight is tentatively scheduled for 2027, though no official agreements have been reached between the teams yet.