Unbeaten all-time great Oleksandr Usyk could find a stern test in world champion Jai Opetaia were he to move back down to cruiserweight or even stay at heavyweight.
Usyk has just about completed boxing by any measure. He is a former Olympic gold medalist who turned over soon after the games in London in 2012 and by 2018 had cleared out the cruiserweight division to become undisputed champion.
He then moved up to the banner division and soon established himself with a win over Derek Chisora before taking on unified champion Anthony Joshua. In a close and technical fight, Usyk took a points win after 12 rounds and then the pair went into an immediate rematch and once again the skilful southpaw came out on top.
After a further defence against Daniel Dubois, he had back-to-back fights with Tyson Fury. The first saw him become the undisputed heavyweight champion to repeat Evander Holyfields historic achievement, and the Ukrainian then defended his titles in the immediate rematch.
Before his second victory over Fury, Usyk declared his intentions to move back down to cruiserweight at some point in the future to regain his titles.
“I try cruiserweight again. I try [to be undisputed cruiserweight again].”
One potential opponent back down at 200lbs would be the well-respected Aussie and IBF belt holder Opetaia. Opetaia’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has made it clear a clash against the Ukrainian is in their plans.
“The medium focus right now is every belt in the division and the long term focus is to fight Usyk for the unified heavyweight world championship. I believe he is the only fighter who can give Usyk a real fight over the next 12-18 moths.”
Speaking to iFL TV, Usyk was asked about that match-up and was noncommittal.
“I don’t know, maybe, Jai’s a great fighter.”
It seems more likely Usyk will take on the winner of the IBF title fight between Dubois and Joseph Parker in what would be a second undisputed contest, although a recent mandatory call from that governing body could put a spanner in the works.
