Usyk’s Adviser Says Ukrainian Champion Plans 2027 Cruiserweight Return and Unification Bout with Benavidez

Background

• Oleksandr Usyk (39) is a former undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. He last fought in May, securing a gritty decision win over Rico Verhoeven before vacating his heavyweight titles.
• David Benavidez (29) is unbeaten in 32 professional fights and currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight belts. He is slated to contest the WBC cruiserweight title against Michal Cieslak on 5 December.

Reported Plan from Usyk’s Adviser

Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s long‑time adviser, told the BBC that the Ukrainian is eyeing a “final chapter” in his career:

• Return to cruiserweight in 2027 – Lapin said Usyk wants to move back down a division after his heavyweight stint.
• First step: a fight for a vacant world title – The IBF cruiserweight belt became vacant after Jai Opetaia was stripped in March.
• Second step: a unification bout with Benavidez – The goal, according to Lapin, is to face the American to unify all four major belts (WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF) and become undisputed cruiserweight champion again.

> *“Oleksandr aims to return to cruiserweight in 2027 and become undisputed again,”* Lapin was quoted as saying.

Confirmed vs. Reported Information

| Category | Details | |---|---| | Confirmed (by public record) | Usyk’s May victory over Verhoeven and his vacating of heavyweight titles; Benavidez’s 32‑0 record and current WBO/WBA titles; upcoming WBC title fight on 5 Dec; IBF belt vacancy after Opetaia’s stripping. | | Reported (attributed to Lapin) | Usyk’s intention to drop to cruiserweight in 2027, fight for a vacant belt, and then challenge Benavidez for unification. | | Uncertain | Exact dates, venue, and sanctioning‑body approval for the proposed fights; whether Usyk has formally announced the plan himself. |

Practical Implications

• For promoters: A high‑profile unification fight could generate significant pay‑per‑view revenue, especially given both fighters’ undefeated status.
• For sanctioning bodies: Coordination will be required to sanction a bout that puts all four belts on the line, assuming the IBF title is awarded to the winner.
• For fans: If realized, the matchup would pit two of the sport’s most technically skilled, undefeated fighters against each other, potentially defining the modern cruiserweight era.

How to Verify the Announcement

• Check the original BBC Sport article (URL provided below) for Lapin’s direct quotes and context.
• Monitor official statements from Usyk’s management team, the International Boxing Federation (IBF), and the other sanctioning bodies (WBA, WBO, WBC).
• Follow reputable boxing news outlets (e.g., ESPN Boxing, The Ring) for any contract signings or venue announcements.
• Watch for press conferences where either fighter may confirm or deny the proposed timeline.

Next Steps

• Await confirmation from Usyk’s camp regarding the 2027 timeline.
• Track the outcome of Benavidez’s 5 December bout, which could affect the unification landscape.
• Keep an eye on the IBF’s decision about awarding the vacant cruiserweight title, which will be a prerequisite for the proposed unification fight.

--- *This article is based on reporting from BBC Sport and reflects statements made by Usyk’s adviser, Sergey Lapin. No independent confirmation of the plan has been released at the time of writing.*