Oleksandr Usyk Discusses Cruiserweight Fight With Benavidez

David Benavidez says he has spoken with Oleksandr Usyk about a possible undisputed cruiserweight fight, though no bout has been confirmed. Benavidez told Fight Hub TV that the discussion involved Usyk moving down to 200 pounds.

Usyk and Benavidez Discuss a Cruiserweight Bout

The potential fight could give Usyk a chance to become undisputed at cruiserweight again. The Ukrainian, 39, stopped former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round in May, then vacated his three world titles the following month. He has said he is likely to have one more fight before retiring.

A bout with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder had appeared possible, but the two have since gone their separate ways and are considering other options. Benavidez is one possible opponent for Usyk.

Benavidez claimed the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles by stopping Gilberto Ramirez in the sixth round in May. He is scheduled to challenge WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5. The plan after that is for Benavidez to meet Jai Opetaia on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027, though whether that bout would be for undisputed status is not settled.

Benavidez’s Route to Undisputed

Benavidez may need to beat Opetaia to become undisputed. Opetaia could regain the IBF belt if his lawsuit against the sanctioning body is successful. The source of the undisputed title picture therefore depends on the result of that legal action and the status of the planned Benavidez-Opetaia fight.

For now, Benavidez’s next scheduled bout is against Cieslak on December 5. The Usyk fight is only at the discussion stage.