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Usyk plans return to cruiserweight division for title shot

BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 6:11 PM

Last updated Oct 31, 2026

Usyk plans return to cruiserweight division for title shot

Summary

Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, is set to return to cruiserweight to pursue a vacant world title before potentially unifying all belts against David Benavidez. His adviser, Sergey Lapin, revealed that Usyk aims to finish his career in 2027 as the undisputed champion in the division where he first achieved success. Usyk previously dominated at cruiserweight, holding all belts before moving to heavyweight in 2019. Benavidez, undefeated in 32 professional bouts, holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and is scheduled to fight for the WBC belt next month against Michal Cieslak.

Source Links

BBC Sport

Status Watch

•Usyk last fought in May, winning against Rico Verhoeven.
•He plans to fight for a vacant cruiserweight title before facing Benavidez.
•The unification bout with Benavidez aims for 2027.
•Benavidez holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles.
•He is set to fight Michal Cieslak for the WBC belt on December 5.

Latest Updates

6:11 PMBBC Sport — Usyk eyes 'final chapter' at cruiserweight against Benavidez

What they're saying

"
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is eyeing a return to cruiserweight to fight David Benavidez before retiring from boxing, says his adviser.
— BBC Sport

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