Boxing superstar and pound-for-pound maestro Oleksandr Usyk made a surprise and commanding presence during the DAZN broadcast for the high-profile Canelo Alvarez versus Christian Mbilli world championship event in Riyadh. Taking to the airwaves alongside veteran boxing analyst Mike Coppinger, the unified and former undisputed heavyweight champion provided fans with a clear roadmap for the next chapter of his storied career. Amid a night celebrating elite championship boxing, Usyk formally confirmed his intention to step down in weight and make a highly anticipated return to the cruiserweight division within the coming year, setting his sights firmly on a blockbuster showdown with hard-hitting star David Benavidez.
In addition to dropping major news regarding his own fighting future, the Ukrainian maestro shared his thoughts on the upcoming domestic heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, while also offering words of support and high praise for his long-time friend and compatriot Vasiliy Lomachenko as he prepares for another run at the sport’s pinnacle.
Usyk on why he wants to fight Benavidez at cruiserweight
The transition from heavyweight back down to cruiserweight has been a subject of intense speculation among boxing pundits and fans alike, but Usyk made it clear that the move is driven by a desire to conquer new challenges and test himself against elite opposition in a division where he previously reigned supreme. Having thoroughly dominated and cleared out the heavyweight landscape—capturing every major belt and defeating the division’s best—Usyk revealed that his current walking-around weight makes a return to cruiserweight a completely natural and physically manageable progression.
"Because I cleaned up the heavyweight division and back my weight," Usyk explained during his broadcast segment, noting that his current weight hovers comfortably around 97 and 96 kilograms. For a fighter who famously outboxed and out-conditioned some of the largest heavyweights in the world, returning to a lighter division represents an opportunity to operate with even greater speed and stamina while pursuing fresh, legacy-defining fights.
On wanting to face Benavidez at his current weight so there’s no excuses
The prospect of a matchup between Usyk and David Benavidez has captured the imagination of the combat sports community, particularly given Benavidez’s reputation as one of the most ferocious and relentless pressure fighters in the sport. By choosing to campaign at cruiserweight rather than demanding catchweights or unusual stipulations, Usyk aims to ensure that the contest happens on terms that leave no room for doubt or external caveats.
"Correct," Usyk said when discussing his readiness to face Benavidez at his natural weight. "Because, you know, there’s a turnover in the heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. But if I have an opportunity in cruiserweight, I’m back! It is a big fight because Benavidez is a big champion. Me, a little bit, too."
The mutual respect between the two elite competitors underscores the magnitude of the potential matchup, which would pit Usyk’s unmatched technical brilliance and championship pedigree against Benavidez’s devastating combination punching and relentless forward momentum.
On vacating the heavyweight titles so he could freely pursue the biggest prizefights
Navigating the complex politics of modern championship boxing often requires fighters to make difficult decisions regarding belts and sanctioning bodies. For Usyk, the priority has always been securing the most meaningful and compelling fights available in the sport, regardless of promotional hurdles or alphabet-title obligations. By expressing a willingness to move forward without being chained to specific heavyweight mandates, the Ukrainian star demonstrated his commitment to chasing pure greatness rather than merely defending status.
Reflecting on his approach to his career and his willingness to step away from certain divisional constraints to make high-profile bouts happen, Usyk emphasized a philosophy centered on seizing the moment. "Yeah, of course. Listen, when I have opportunity, I take this opportunity. This is life," he noted, signaling that his upcoming campaign at cruiserweight will be entirely focused on delivering the kinds of fights that fans around the world dream of seeing.
On who he thinks will win Fury vs AJ
While Usyk has previously shared the ring with some of the heavyweight division’s most formidable punchers, the long-awaited collision between fellow British heavyweights Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remains one of the most anticipated matchups in modern boxing history. The rivalry, which has simmered for well over a decade through various promotional shifts and title changes, continues to hold the attention of the global sports community.
Offering his expert perspective on how the domestic powerhouse clash might unfold, Usyk viewed the matchup as a razor-thin contest that defies conventional prediction. "Listen, it’s a good fight. It’s like a 50/50," Usyk remarked. "A lot of fans wait this fight 10 years because it’s two big stars in the UK. A lot of fans around the world want this fight. Me, too, want this fight. I want watch this fight because it’s like a choice, only one king of UK."
On Lomachenko coming out of retirement
Beyond his own career aspirations and observations on the heavyweight landscape, Usyk took a moment to address the future of his close friend and fellow Ukrainian boxing legend, Vasiliy Lomachenko. Having shared amateur journeys, Olympic triumphs, and professional milestones together, the bond between Usyk and Lomachenko remains one of the most enduring friendships in the sport.
With rumors and confirmations surrounding Lomachenko’s potential return to the squared circle, Usyk expressed genuine delight at the prospect of seeing the multi-division champion lace up the gloves once more. Confident in his friend’s extraordinary skill set and enduring competitive drive, Usyk projected lofty ambitions for Lomachenko’s comeback campaign. "I think I’m very happy Vasiliy back," Usyk said. "I think Vasiliy will take undisputed. I want. God bless."
