Oleksandr Usyk targets David Benavidez at cruiserweight in career 'final chapter'
BBC Sport reports on Oleksandr Usyk's potential return to cruiserweight to fight David Benavidez, as stated by his adviser Sergey Lapin.
Usyk, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, is said to be planning a "final chapter" in his boxing career at cruiserweight. Lapin reveals that Usyk's strategy involves first securing a vacant cruiserweight world title, followed by a unification bout against the undefeated American Benavidez.
"Oleksandr aims to return to cruiserweight in 2027 and become undisputed again," Lapin stated. "First, we are looking at a fight for a vacant world title. Then, the goal is to face David Benavidez to unify all the belts and become undisputed cruiserweight champion."
Usyk's Dominant Career:
Usyk dominated cruiserweight for most of his career, securing the undisputed championship. He later moved to heavyweight in 2019, achieving success as a two-time undisputed champion by defeating notable opponents like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois.
Benavidez's Record:
Benavidez, 29, boasts an unblemished professional record of 32 wins in 32 fights. He currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and will face Michal Cieslak for the WBC belt on December 5. The IBF title is vacant due to Jai Opetaia's stripping in March.
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