Oleksandr Usyk is thinking about his next move in boxing. The accomplished fighter might return to the cruiserweight division, where he once dominated.
Usyk's career is full of big wins. He's got an Olympic Gold Medal and has been the undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He's fought 23 times as a pro and beat Anthony Joshua twice and Tyson Fury.
Right now, Usyk holds the unified heavyweight titles. But he's looking at possibly going back to cruiserweight, a division he left in 2018 after cleaning it out.
One fighter who'd love to welcome Usyk back is Jai Opetaia. He's the current IBF cruiserweight champ and hasn't lost in 27 fights, with 21 of those wins coming by knockout. Opetaia grabbed the IBF belt when he beat Mairis Briedis in 2022.
Opetaia, a southpaw, is ready for Usyk. He said:
"Whatever happens, happens, man. I'll wait for the phone call. If they want to send me through a contract, let's do it. I don't give a f**k."
The Australian champ is open to fighting Usyk at cruiserweight or even moving up to heavyweight for the bout.
Opetaia is seen as a rising star in the cruiserweight division, and many think he'll move up to heavyweight soon. A fight with Usyk would be a big test for him.
Usyk going back to cruiserweight would be a bold move. Many experts advise against it, but it's got fans excited.
If Usyk decides to stay at heavyweight, he's got options there too. He's waiting to see who wins between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker on February 22. They're fighting for the IBF Heavyweight World Title, which Usyk gave up for his rematch with Fury.
If Dubois wins, Usyk might fight him again. Usyk stopped Dubois in nine rounds last August. If Parker wins, that could set up a new match for Usyk.
Whatever he chooses, Usyk has a chance to make history again. He could become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, something that doesn't happen often in boxing.
