Usyk Eyes Cruiserweight Return With Benavidez in His Sights

Oleksandr Usyk's next ambition could take him back to the division he once unified. The Ukrainian's advisor, Serhii Lapin, told The Ring's Mike Coppinger on Friday that Usyk wants his next fight at cruiserweight, with the objective of another undisputed championship and a meeting with David Benavidez. The move would take Usyk back toward 200 pounds for the first time since his November 2018 victory over Tony Bellew, the win that completed his first undisputed cruiserweight reign before he moved up to heavyweight. Benavidez, however, must first face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5, with the IBF belt currently vacant. No fight is signed, and the plan depends on how the cruiserweight picture settles in the coming weeks. But the outline is clear: rather than chasing another heavyweight defence, Usyk's camp is looking at unfinished business in the division where he first became undisputed champion, with Benavidez the name at the top of the list if the belts align.