Oleksandr Usyk has officially announced his intention to drop back down to cruiserweight, setting his sights on a showdown with David Benavidez. The Ukrainian star, who unified the heavyweight division, confirmed the weight-class move in a statement released on November 1, 2026.
Usyk, who previously held all four major cruiserweight titles before moving up to heavyweight, described Benavidez as a "big champion" and expressed his desire to face the American puncher. The potential matchup would pit two of boxing's most accomplished current fighters against each other at the 200-pound limit.
Details regarding a timeline, venue, or promotional arrangements for the proposed bout have not yet been disclosed. Usyk's return to cruiserweight marks a significant development in the division's landscape, potentially creating one of the sport's most compelling matchups if negotiations progress.
