Heavyweight superstar Oleksandr Usyk is plotting a dramatic return to the cruiserweight division for what his camp describes as the final chapter of his illustrious boxing career. According to BBC Sport, the 39-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion is planning to move down a division in 2027 to chase another undisputed crown.

Key Facts

According to BBC Sport, Usyk last fought in May, earning a gritty win over Rico Verhoeven before vacating his heavyweight titles. While a "last dance" was initially expected to take place in the heavyweight division, his adviser Sergey Lapin told the BBC that the Ukrainian is instead targeting a return to cruiserweight.

BBC Sport reported that Usyk aims to first fight for a vacant cruiserweight world title and then set up a unification bout against undefeated American David Benavidez. Lapin stated, "We see 2027 as the final chapter of his career. He wants to finish as undisputed champion in the division where he first won all the belts."

Background

According to BBC Sport, Usyk dominated at cruiserweight for the majority of his career, securing 16 victories and becoming the undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight in 2019. At heavyweight, he established a 25-fight undefeated record and became a two-time undisputed champion by defeating Britons Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois twice each.

BBC Sport also noted that David Benavidez, 29, has won all 32 of his professional fights. Benavidez currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles and is scheduled to face Poland's Michal Cieslak for the WBC belt on 5 December, while the IBF belt remains vacant following the stripping of Jai Opetaia in March.

Why it matters

For sports enthusiasts in Pakistan and across the globe who follow elite international boxing, the twilight years of an undefeated champion's career mark the end of a historic era. As athletes contemplate their final steps in the ring, such transitions highlight the immense physical toll, tactical planning, and enduring ambition required to compete at the absolute highest level of professional sports.

What's next

According to BBC Sport, David Benavidez is scheduled to face Poland's Michal Cieslak for the WBC cruiserweight belt on 5 December.