Usyk Confirms Benavidez Fight After Vacating Titles

Oleksandr Usyk plans to return at cruiserweight next year to face David Benavidez after vacating his heavyweight titles, the former undisputed champion told DAZN during Saturday's Canelo Alvarez-Christian Mbilli broadcast.

Usyk said he already weighs between 96 and 97 kilograms and wants to fight Benavidez at his current weight to eliminate any excuses. "Because I cleaned up the heavyweight [division] and back my weight," he told reporter Mike Coppinger, per Bad Left Hook.

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Why Usyk Is Targeting Benavidez At Cruiserweight

The Ukrainian said Benavidez represents a significant challenge at 200 pounds. "It is big fight because Benavidez is a big champion. Me, a little bit, too," Usyk said.

Usyk also confirmed he vacated the heavyweight straps to pursue the biggest available fights. "Listen, when I have opportunity, I take this opportunity. This is life," he said.

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Asked about the upcoming Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua fight, Usyk called it a 50-50 matchup and said he wants to watch because it will crown one king of the UK. He also wished his friend Vasiliy Lomachenko well as the Ukrainian returns from retirement to chase undisputed status.

Photo: Andriy Makukha (Amakuha) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Original reporting:

• badlefthook.com — Oleksandr Usyk explains his interest in taking on David Benavidez | Bad Left Hook