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Is Oleksandr Usyk Taking The Riskiest Fight Of His Pro Career If He Tackles David Benavidez?

Fight fans have of course heard the news: that former undisputed cruiserweight champion and former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk wants to drop back down to the 200-pound division to…

By James Slater · East Side Boxing

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 1:32 PM

Key Things to Know

James Slater questions whether Oleksandr Usyk facing David Benavidez at cruiserweight is his career's riskiest fight.
Oleksandr Usyk wants to drop down over 30 pounds to the 200-pound limit next year.
The fight is unofficial as David Benavidez must first fight Michal Cieslak on December 5.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Boxing News 24/7's James Slater assesses whether facing David Benavidez at cruiserweight represents the riskiest challenge of Oleksandr Usyk's career. Usyk, who holds a 25-0 record, intends to drop over 30 pounds back to the 200-pound limit to battle Benavidez sometime next year, although a fight remains unofficial.

Slater argues that moving down in weight while approaching age 40 against a peak, relentless fighter poses severe physical dangers. Benavidez must first contest a December 5 unification clash against Michal Cieslak before any bout with Usyk can proceed.

Read the full article on East Side Boxing

Is Oleksandr Usyk Taking The Riskiest Fight Of His Pro Career If He Tackles David Benavidez?

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