Oleksandr Usyk reveals dramatic career move after Tyson Fury rematch
Usyk recently became undisputed heavyweight champion, after achieving the same feat at cruiserweight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Oleksandr Usyk is considering a cruiserweight comeback after his rematch with Tyson Fury.
Usyk added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO and IBF titles with a split-decision victory in May, which made the Ukrainian the first undisputed world heavyweight champion for almost a quarter of a century.
The 37-year-old is due to face Fury for a second time in Riyadh on 21 December.
But Usyk has appeared to rule out a possible trilogy – or indeed a third bout with Anthony Joshua – after indicating his desire to switch divisions.
Speaking on the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast, Usyk said: “I think maybe after the rematch, I am going to go down in weight to cruiserweight. I want more [fights at] cruiserweight.
“Maybe, it is my plan because when I start to prepare for my training camp [as a heavyweight], I have to eat all the time. For me it’s hard, I don’t like it. Three times [per day]: Water, protein, bananas. it’s a lot of food.”
Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas said: “Maybe we go back down to cruiserweight. We spoke about it yesterday, to get undisputed for a second time in the cruiserweight division.”
Usyk became a heavyweight in 2019 after unifying the cruiserweight division. He remains the only undisputed cruiserweight champion of the four-belt era.
Prior to his triumph against Fury – which extended his unbeaten record to 22 – Usyk had taken wins in the heavyweight division against Daniel Dubois, Joshua twice, Derek Chisora and Chaz Witherspoon.