Recently, unified cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) told the media that he plans to return to the cruiserweight division after his anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) on December 21.
Said Usyk, “Maybe after the second fight with Fury on December 21, I will drop back down to cruiserweight. I want to have more fights at cruiserweight, and I can reign supreme in that division once again – that’s my plan. Each time I prepare for a heavyweight bout, I have to overeat to gain weight, and it’s a challenge for me.”
Usyk had already unified the cruiserweight division in 2018 and defeated Tony Bellew, who had twice beaten David Haye, in eight rounds. He has nothing left to prove in the cruiserweight ranks.
However, if Usyk does return to cruiserweight, there are still some attractive matchups for him, such as facing the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol bout. Both fighters have moved up from 175 pounds, and although their power may not match that of heavyweight punchers, such a contest would have significant market appeal and allow Usyk to earn a substantial purse.