Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxing sensation, is set to make a surprising move following his highly-anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury. Usyk, who recently became the undisputed heavyweight champion with a split-decision victory over Fury in Saudi Arabia, has hinted at a potential return to the cruiserweight division. This unexpected announcement has left boxing fans and analysts buzzing with speculation.

Usyk's Journey to Heavyweight Glory

In the last month, Usyk, 37, solidified his legacy by defeating the formidable Tyson Fury, also known as the Gypsy King. The victory crowned Usyk as the undisputed ruler of the heavyweights, a title he had been chasing since moving up from the cruiserweight division in 2019. However, the journey to maintain his heavyweight frame has not been an easy one for Usyk.

The Challenges of Heavyweight Life

Maintaining his physique as a heavyweight has required Usyk to consume large quantities of food, a regimen he finds particularly challenging. He candidly shared his struggles:

"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."

A Return to Familiar Territory?

Despite achieving his dream in the heavyweight division, Usyk is contemplating a return to cruiserweight, where he first made his mark in 2018 by defeating Murat Gassiev and claiming the WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. The idea of becoming a two-time undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division is appealing to Usyk. He expressed his intentions:

"I think maybe after the rematch, I am going to go down in weight to cruiserweight. I want more [fights at] cruiserweight."

What Lies Ahead for Usyk and the Heavyweight Division?

The upcoming rematch with Fury, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia, promises to be another thrilling encounter. Usyk narrowly missed stopping Fury in the ninth round of their previous bout, and he will be aiming to finish the job this time. Should Usyk decide to move back down to cruiserweight, it will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the heavyweight division.

Anthony Joshua Waiting in the Wings

With Usyk's potential departure, the opportunity for Anthony Joshua to step back into the spotlight looms large. Joshua, who has expressed interest in facing Fury post-rematch, could seize the chance to reestablish himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight scene.

Usyk's unexpected plans add another layer of intrigue to the already dynamic world of boxing. As fans eagerly await the rematch and ponder the potential shifts in the divisions, one thing is certain: Oleksandr Usyk continues to captivate the boxing world with his remarkable journey and bold decisions.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova