Promoter Frank Warren asserts that a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury is the only scenario that will keep Oleksandr Usyk at heavyweight. Usyk, who holds a perfect record and undisputed status in the division, has signaled interest in moving down to cruiserweight to target stars like David Benavidez. However, Warren believes the financial and historical weight of a third encounter with Fury outweighs the appeal of a new weight class.
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The decision hinges on the outcome of the December mega-fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua. If Fury emerges victorious, he retains the unified heavyweight titles, making a Usyk rematch a logical and lucrative next step. Usyk last competed at cruiserweight in 2018, where he was also undisputed, but the current landscape offers fewer high-profile opportunities than the heavyweight division. A loss for Fury would likely accelerate Usyk’s exit, but a win keeps the door open for a historic third chapter.
Warren’s comments underscore the strategic calculus facing Usyk’s camp. While Benavidez and Jai Opetaia represent exciting cruiserweight challenges, the legacy of an undisputed heavyweight reign is unmatched. For Usyk, staying at heavyweight for a trilogy fight preserves his status as the division’s dominant force. Conversely, moving down risks diluting his current legacy without a guaranteed path to another undisputed title. The December Joshua fight is thus not just a bout, but a pivotal fork in the road for Usyk’s career trajectory.
Source: Sky Sports
