The prospect of a third showdown against Tyson Fury could prove compelling enough to convince Oleksandr Usyk to abandon his proposed return to the cruiserweight division, according to veteran promoter Frank Warren.
Usyk has established one of the most formidable legacies in modern boxing history, anchoring his standing at the apex of the sport through his unmatched achievements across two weight classes. Having originally dominated the cruiserweight ranks to become the division’s undisputed champion, the Ukrainian star successfully made the transition to the heavyweight division in 2019. Since moving up to boxing’s premier weight class, Usyk has remained completely undefeated, defeating Fury twice and achieving the rare feat of becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion without suffering a single defeat.
Despite his standard-setting accomplishments among the heavyweights, whispers regarding a potential move back down in weight have intensified. Members of Usyk’s team recently revealed that the 39-year-old champion is actively contemplating a return to his old weight division. Such a move would throw a wrench into potential blockbuster heavyweight pairings while creating immediate super-fights at cruiserweight, where high-profile names such as David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia would instantly become primary targets for the Ukrainian technician.
However, Frank Warren, who promotes Fury, believes the allure of completing a historic trilogy against the British heavyweight giant could keep Usyk planted firmly in the heavyweight ranks. Fury remains exceedingly eager to share the ring with Usyk for a third time. Before any such trilogy can materialization, Fury must first navigate a high-stakes December mega-fight against long-time rival Anthony Joshua. Should Fury emerge victorious from that momentous encounter, a third meeting with Usyk would represent a far more lucrative and legacy-defining proposition for the Ukrainian than a cruiserweight bout against Benavidez or Opetaia.
When asked whether the chance to face Fury again would entice Usyk to shelve any plans of moving down in weight, Warren was clear in his assessment. Speaking to Sky Sports, the promoter stated that he would certainly expect a trilogy fight to hold immense sway over Usyk’s future decisions.
The narrative surrounding Fury’s upcoming December collision with Joshua has already generated massive interest across the combat sports landscape. Fury has publicly stated that he views the showdown with Joshua as a warm-up contest designed to sharpen his skills specifically for a third battle against Usyk. While preparation for such a massive event naturally brings scrutiny, rumors have circulated suggesting that Fury might be managing an injury during his training camp. Addressing those concerns, Zuffa Boxing co-founder Dana White insisted that there is no cause for alarm, dismissing the speculation and confirming that preparations for the December clash remain on track.
Should Usyk decide against returning to cruiserweight, Warren stresses that the Ukrainian champion will not be short on compelling options within the heavyweight division. Warren represents a deep stable of top-tier heavyweights who could all provide enticing challenges for Usyk. Among those options is WBC champion Agit Kabayel, the highly regarded German fighter who is set to defend his title against Nelson Hysa on November 28. Warren noted that a potential championship clash between Usyk and Kabayel possesses the draw needed to fill a major stadium anywhere in Europe.
In addition to Kabayel, Warren highlighted newly crowned IBF titlist Filip Hrgovic and rising contender Moses Itauma as viable candidates for Usyk if he chooses to extend his stay in the heavyweight division. Assessing the possibilities, Warren emphasized that Usyk could conceivably face any of them. He pointed out that prospective bouts pairing Usyk with Hrgovic, or with Itauma should Itauma make his return, represent fabulous fights for the sport. Furthermore, Warren maintained that a third installment between Usyk and Fury remains an inherently captivating spectacle for fans worldwide, noting that regardless of the outcomes of their previous meetings, their fights were thrilling, highly competitive, and exciting to watch.
Nevertheless, the logistical and physical reality of Usyk dropping back down to cruiserweight presents a daunting challenge. Usyk has fought exclusively at heavyweight since 2019, adjusting his training regimen and body composition over the past five years to comfortably compete against significantly larger men. Returning to the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds would require Usyk to shed between 20 and 30 pounds of weight. Attempting such a drastic physical transformation at 39 years of age is a complex undertaking, even for an athlete renowned for his discipline and conditioning.
Warren admitted to being thoroughly surprised by the revelation that Usyk was considering a drop in weight at this stage of his career. The veteran promoter highlighted the severe physical strain associated with cutting weight as an aging fighter, noting that Usyk had established a firmly solid physical frame at heavyweight. Warren remarked that losing weight becomes exponentially more difficult as an athlete gets older, adding that Usyk would have to shift considerable physical timber to successfully make the cruiserweight limit again.
Expressing his respect for the Ukrainian champion, Warren observed that Usyk has proven himself to be a great heavyweight champion. However, he cautioned that seeing how Usyk’s body responds to the weight loss—and how comfortable he would actually feel inside the ring at cruiserweight after half a decade away—will be a pivotal factor. Warren also pointed out that Usyk previously vacated his heavyweight titles rather than fulfilling mandatory defense obligations, acknowledging that while the decision to drop down might seem unexpected to outsiders, it could ultimately represent a calculated move by Usyk and his team.
Should Usyk pursue the cruiserweight path, the division would undergo an immediate upheaval. European cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley, speaking on the Toe 2 Toe podcast, expressed his belief that Usyk’s potential return would instantly shake up the entire weight class, resetting the dynamic for current titleholders and contenders alike. Among the potential marquee opponents waiting at cruiserweight is Jai Opetaia, who himself is currently preparing for a high-profile engagement. Opetaia is slated to move up to face Deontay Wilder in a heavyweight attraction on December 11, serving as a featured bout on the undercard of the Fury versus Joshua mega-fight at Principality Stadium.
With major heavyweight fixtures scheduled for late November and December, Usyk’s ultimate career direction remains one of the most anticipated storylines in boxing. Whether the undefeated champion chooses to undergo the arduous weight cut required for a cruiserweight return or opts to await the winner of Fury and Joshua, his decision will inevitably shape the landscape of both divisions for the foreseeable future.
