David Benavidez eyes 'biggest fight in cruiserweight history' against Oleksandr Usyk

Unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez is open to the idea of encountering heavyweight great Oleksandr Usyk at 200lbs.

Usyk is carefully considering his options in the latter stages of his career after vacating his IBF, WBA and WBC heavyweight titles in June following an 11th-round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven.

The Ukrainian had initially been due to make his final ring walk in March next year against Deontay Wilder.

However, with those negotations disintegrating, Ring Magazine reported Usyk could instead face his former foe Tyson Fury in a trilogy bout, or lock horns with number one cruiserweight Benavidez.

Both proposed fights ultimately hinge on the outcomes for Fury and Benavidez in their next bouts.

The unbeaten American is expected to face Michal Cieslak in a unification bout in December, which if he wins will set the scene for a mouth-watering showdown against Jai Opetaia on Cinco De Mayo weekend (5th May) next year.

Usyk has not fought at cruiserweight since 2018 when he become undisputed champion by conquering Murat Gassiev.

The Ukrainian has since carved a career as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, becoming a two-weight world champion in the process, although it remains to be seen whether the decorated southpaw would be willing to drop weight for a compelling showdown against Benavidez.

Discussing the propsect of facing Usyk on the Last Stand Podcast, Benavidez said: “The point I wanted to make when we’re talking about Usyk is: I don’t know if that would be at heavyweight or cruiserweight.

“In my opinion, it would be a bigger fight at cruiserweight because, once I capture this [WBC] title, that would be three belts [on the line]. It would probably be one of the biggest fights in cruiserweight history.”

Benavidez previously eyed a campaign at heavyweight having added super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight gold to his illustrious collection.