Oleksandr Usyk RIPS UP retirement plans as boxing legend plots new bid to become undisputed champion

Oleksandr Usyk has altered his retirement plans and is targeting a return to the cruiserweight division for two final bouts in 2027. According to his team director, Sergey Lapin, the 39-year-old Ukrainian intends to challenge for the vacant IBF cruiserweight world title before seeking a final undisputed unification clash against David Benavidez.

Usyk previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2018 before moving up to heavyweight, where he defeated Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois. Lapin stated that returning to cruiserweight offers the ideal conclusion to Usyk's career, with discussions regarding a potential showdown against Benavidez already having taken place.