Oleksandr Usyk confirms next move after Tyson Fury fight if he wins rematch
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Oleksandr Usyk is planning a move back to cruiserweight if he solidifies his place atop of the heavyweight throne this weekend in Riyadh. The Ukrainian defends his WBA, WBO and WBC titles against Tyson Fury on Saturday in a rematch of their May classic in Saudi Arabia. Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999 when he beat Fury, but he relinquished the IBF title to allow Daniel Dubois to defend it against Anthony Joshua as he was contracted to another clash with the Gypsy King.
It still meant that the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist has reigned as undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, a remarkable feat. But now the Ukrainian is planning an audacious return to the 14st 4lb division should he beat Fury again this weekend. "I win again a second fight, I'll try cruiserweight again," he told Sky Sports. "I'll try.".
Usyk has not fought at cruiserweight since 2018, when he defended his undisputed crown with a stoppage win over Tony Bellew in Manchester. The Ukrainian had beaten Murat Gassiev, Mairis Briedis, and Krzysztof Glowacki to collect all four belts in the division in a run which included wins over Marco Huck and Michael Hunter.
He then moved up to heavyweight to beat Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua twice, Daniel Dubois and then Fury. Usyk won the first fight on a split decision with one judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury but the other two to the eventual winner on cards of 115-112 and 114-113.
Both are now back in Riyadh with excitement building over one of the biggest fights of the year, which some believe could eclipse the last one. Usyk is expecting to pick up where he left off having taken control of the bout through the midway stage and then forcing the referee to give Fury a count in the ninth as the ropes kept him up.
