Look away cruiserweight division, it appears that one of the best in the world is considering a return…
Oleksandr Usyk has been a man on a mission ever since he turned over from the amateurs, and everything he’s achieved he’s done so efficiently. In just 15 fights, he was undisputed at cruiserweight. In 20, he is unified heavyweight champion – and could be undisputed in one or two more if the Tyson Fury scrap is ever made.
The Ukrainian has shut up any doubters who questioned his size when moving up to the top division, but he’s now revealed that he has considered dropping back down. In a recent interview with Parimatch, he explained why.
“I was thinking about returning to cruiserweight and getting a few more of the world belts. You know, being a heavyweight means you have to be really heavy. You must eat a lot. It’s not hard to fight with these giants, but it’s really hard to eat all the time.”
“And now I work much more than I did as a cruiserweight, particularly in the training camps. I had to swim ten kilometres and train hard. At this moment I just want to stop and take a rest. A half of a year of training is hard work. I didn’t see my family for such a long time, I didn’t see my wife, children or anyone.”
If you ever wanted proof that Usyk was a different breed, the fact that he doesn’t love the idea of being able to eat more should settle any doubt.
Whilst a new campaign at cruiserweight would give fans a chance to see the former ruler of the division face new tests, there’s no doubt that it would have to come after a shot at the final belt in the heavyweight division.
Should Usyk face Fury and win, he would be in very exclusive company. ‘The Cat’ would join Evander Holyfield on a pedestal, being the only two fighters to ever unify both divisions. He would also be the first man to be undisputed heavyweight champion since the great Lennox Lewis.
Whatever he decides to do, if his form is to be trusted it’ll likely take him no time at all.