Oleksandr Usyk is reportedly plotting a sensational return to the cruiserweight division to lock horns with pound-for-pound star David Benavidez, a move that has captured the attention of the boxing world and drawn high praise from division legends.
The Ukrainian maestro underperformed in his outing against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven back in May, a lackluster performance that ultimately prompted him to relinquish his unified heavyweight world title shortly after the bout. In the wake of that contest, Usyk revealed that his illustrious career was nearing its final chapter, disclosing plans to partake in just one more "farewell fight" before officially hanging up the gloves for good.
In the chaotic months that followed his announcement, widespread speculation pointed toward a blockbuster bout with former WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder. It was widely understood within the sport that the hard-hitting American would be the 39-year-old’s final dance partner, capping off a Hall of Fame career under the bright lights of the heavyweight division. However, those anticipated negotiations ultimately collapsed, forcing Usyk and his promotional team to look elsewhere for a fitting swansong.
Usyk has now confirmed that he is shifting his sights dramatically, targeting a blockbuster cruiserweight showdown with elite pound-for-pound star David Benavidez. The ambitious objective behind this unexpected weight drop is nothing less than reclaiming the undisputed cruiserweight crown that Usyk famously captured during his legendary run in the World Boxing Super Series.
The prospective matchup has already sparked intense debate throughout the combat sports community, with former fighters and analysts weighing in on the physical feasibility and historical significance of the move. Among those offering expert insight is Johnny Nelson, a man who knows what it takes to rule the 200-pound weight class better than almost anyone in history. Nelson held the WBO cruiserweight world title for a record-breaking six-and-a-half years, cementing his legacy as one of the division’s most enduring champions.
Speaking extensively to talkSPORT Boxing, Nelson expressed absolute confidence in Usyk’s physical readiness and tactical prowess, stating firmly that the Ukrainian still possesses every tool required to dominate the cruiserweight division once again.
Recalling a recent sighting of the former undisputed heavyweight king, Nelson highlighted the physical dedication Usyk continues to display at this advanced stage of his career. He noted that seeing the fighter up close provided undeniable proof that a drop back down to the 200-pound limit is entirely achievable without draining his body or sacrificing his legendary conditioning.
Nelson pointed out that when Usyk stepped into the ring during the Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga-adjacent events or similar high-profile fight nights, such as the Canelo-Mbilli card, he promptly flashed his trademark six-pack. For Nelson, that visual cue was all the confirmation he needed to realize that Usyk can still handle the weight cut comfortably and efficiently.
According to the former long-reigning champion, the prospect of a fighter moving up to conquer the heavyweight division—traditionally the most glamorous and unforgiving weight class in all of boxing—and then successfully dropping back down to dominate the cruiserweights once more would be nothing short of history-making. Nelson emphasized that Usyk’s ambitions should not stop with a single high-profile encounter against Benavidez. He suggested that the Ukrainian could potentially clear out any remaining threats, mentioning other elite operators in the weight class such as division powerhouse Jai Opetaia, before finally walking away from the sport for good.
Beyond the sheer sporting legacy and historical weight of the endeavor, Nelson was candid about the underlying business motivations driving Usyk’s next career move. He acknowledged and understood precisely why the veteran southpaw is opting for this specific path, pointing squarely to the financial realities of elite modern boxing.
Despite achieving the status of undisputed heavyweight champion—a feat that places him in an extremely exclusive club of historical greats—Usyk has not historically generated the same astronomical financial windfalls as some of his high-profile heavyweight contemporaries, such as Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua. Consequently, Nelson argues, it makes perfect sense for Usyk to pursue lucrative, high-profile bouts that maximize his earning potential as he prepares to exit the sport.
Nelson also drew a sharp contrast between the business sense of fighting elite opposition like Benavidez versus the perilous nature of Usyk’s most recent outing. He described the bout against Rico Verhoeven as a high-risk, low-reward venture against an opponent who did not hold championship titles, noting that Usyk very nearly suffered a shocking upset in that contest. By comparison, securing a monumental fight against a pound-for-pound elite operator like Benavidez represents both a brilliant business maneuver and a monumental historical achievement.
The landscape of the cruiserweight division is currently shifting rapidly to accommodate these high-stakes developments. David Benavidez is himself on the cusp of further divisional history, with a major championship opportunity already locked in. Benavidez is scheduled to step into the ring next month to take on Michal Cieslak, where he will have the opportunity to claim a third cruiserweight world title in his burgeoning career. Meanwhile, the remaining IBF cruiserweight world title currently sits vacant, adding an extra layer of divisional intrigue and setting the stage for potential championship unification battles that could captivate the global boxing fanbase.
