Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk is considering a return to the cruiserweight division (up to 90.7 kg) to once again become the undisputed world champion. The final stage of his career could be a fight with unbeaten American David Benavidez in 2027.
On October 30, talkSPORT reported this, citing Sergei Lapin, the sporting director of the Ukrainian's team. The possibility of a meeting with Benavidez was also previously considered by insider Ring Magazine's Mike Coppinger.
According to Lapin, Usyk's team is considering holding two fights in the cruiserweight division during 2027. First, the Ukrainian intends to compete for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) title, then organize a unification fight against Benavidez.
The ultimate goal is to end his professional career as the undisputed world champion in the weight class where Usyk first unified all the major championship belts.
Lapin explained that cruiserweight has always been the natural division for the Ukrainian boxer. Moving to the heavyweight division allowed him to achieve new accomplishments, but now Usyk is considering a return.
The athlete's team believes 2027 is likely the final stage of his professional boxing career.
Benavidez himself has also confirmed preliminary contacts regarding a possible fight. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, the American said he had discussed Usyk's return to cruiserweight with the Ukrainian's representatives.
According to Benavidez, such a fight would be especially significant if all four major championship belts were at stake. The American did not rule out the possibility of moving up to heavyweight to face the Ukrainian.
Currently, the 29-year-old Benavidez holds the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles. In his professional career, he has 32 wins, 26 by knockout, and no losses.
The American's next fight is scheduled for December 5 against Poland's Michał Cieślak, who holds the WBC title. A victory would allow Benavidez to unify three championship belts.
Meanwhile, the IBF belt in this division remains vacant following the organization's decision to strip Australian Jay Opetaia of the title. That particular championship belt is seen by Usyk's team as a possible first target after his return to the division.
Oleksandr Usyk had already become the undisputed cruiserweight world champion in 2018 when he defeated Russian Murat Gassiev. Subsequently, the Ukrainian moved up to the heavyweight division, where he twice defeated Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
In May 2026, Usyk fought his latest bout so far, defeating Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven by technical knockout in the 11th round. In June, the Ukrainian voluntarily relinquished the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, explaining that he wants to choose the final fights of his career himself.
Final agreements regarding Usyk's return to cruiserweight have not yet been announced. The contract for the fight with Benavidez has not been signed, and it will depend, among other things, on the results of the American's upcoming championship fights.
