LONDON — Unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez has extended an invitation to Oleksandr Usyk to return to the 200lbs division for what he describes as one of the "biggest fights in cruiserweight history". Usyk, who has not competed at the weight since 2018, vacated his heavyweight titles in June following an 11th-round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven.
Speaking to the Last Stand Podcast, Benavidez outlined his vision for the potential bout, noting that a contest at cruiserweight would carry significant stakes. "In my opinion, it would be a bigger fight at cruiserweight because, once I capture this WBC title, that would be three belts," Benavidez said. "It would probably be one of the biggest fights in cruiserweight history."
While the prospect of a Usyk encounter remains a topic of discussion, Benavidez has already finalised his immediate schedule. The champion is committed to facing WBC titleholder Michal Cieslak in December and has reached a verbal agreement to meet Jai Opetaia next year. Usyk, meanwhile, continues to weigh his options, with reports suggesting a potential trilogy with Tyson Fury or a clash with Benavidez as possible future directions.