Usyk announces return to light heavyweight for fight with Benavidez

Usyk announces return to light heavyweight for fight with Benavidez
Usyk announces return to light heavyweight for fight with Benavidez

Oleksandr Usyk has officially confirmed his intention to return to the light heavyweight (cruiserweight) division. The main goal of this move will be a fight with David Benavidez, who currently holds the WBA and WBO titles.

Champion's comments on the division change

The Ukrainian boxer explained that he considers his career in the heavyweight category finished. «Я завершив справи в суперважкій дивізіоні і тепер повертаюся в свою рідну категорію. Зараз моя вага становить близько 96–97 кг. Хочу битися тільки з боксерами, які перебувають на піку форми. За можливості я повернуся в крузервейт. Це буде значущий поєдинок, оскільки Бенавідес — серйозний чемпіон, і я теж не з останніх» (I have finished my business in the heavyweight division and am now returning to my home category. My current weight is around 96–97 kg. I want to fight only boxers who are at the peak of their form. If possible, I will return to cruiserweight. This will be a significant fight, as Benavidez is a serious champion, and I am not a pushover either), Usyk noted.

Historical context of cruiserweight appearances

Usyk last stepped into the ring in the light heavyweight division in November 2018. At the time, he knocked out British boxer Tony Bellew in the eighth round. The Ukrainian was an undisputed champion at that point, holding all the major belts in the division.

After that period, Usyk changed weight categories, moving up to heavyweight, where he twice achieved the status of undisputed world champion.

Team plans

According to reports, Oleksandr Usyk's team plans to realise his return to the light heavyweight division in 2027.

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