Algieri: Usyk likely to return to cruiserweight division

Former WBO super-lightweight champion and boxing commentator Chris Algieri (25-4, 9 KOs) recently stated that current WBC/WBA Super/IBF/WBO cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) is probably sincere about returning to the cruiserweight division, as Usyk is not known for making empty promises.

Algieri remarked, “Usyk isn’t someone who makes grandiose statements. Unlike Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who constantly talks about moving up to challenge certain fighters, or Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs), who has vowed to challenge David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs), Usyk doesn’t engage in such talk. He’s a serious individual, like many Europeans. When he says he plans to drop back down to cruiserweight, there must be a valid reason behind it, and we have no reason not to believe him. It’s something his entire team would have considered. I think Usyk doesn’t want to face more big heavyweights, including Zhilei Zhang (27-2-1, 22 KOs), due to their size and power advantage.”

Algieri continued, “Usyk seems to have grown tired of fighting larger heavyweights, mentioning that he has to overeat just to maintain his weight in that division. Losing to Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua would be understandable, but defeats against Parker or Zhang wouldn’t hold the same significance. Parker, with his slippery style and quick footwork, would also pose a challenge for Usyk. Clearly, Usyk doesn’t possess the same advantages against many of these bigger heavyweights, which could be a factor in his decision to return to cruiserweight.”

If Usyk were to defeat Fury again on December 21, there wouldn’t be many marketable heavyweights left for him to fight. Fury and Joshua, having previously unified the heavyweight titles, are boxing stars that bring both fame and financial rewards. Fighters like Parker, Zhang, and Kabayel, although competent, don’t carry the same value and come with higher risks.

If Usyk returns to cruiserweight, a match against the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol, who would then move up to cruiserweight, would generate significant interest. Both Bivol and Beterbiev are Russians, while Usyk hails from Ukraine, creating an intriguing international dynamic that could draw a large audience. For Usyk, neither Beterbiev nor Bivol would present the same physical strength, increasing his chances of victory.