Oleksandr Usyk has hinted at a shock career move after becoming the first man to unify boxing’s heavyweight division in 25 years.
The Ukrainian beat Tyson Fury by way of split decision in Saudi Arabia last month, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest-ever fighters.
Usyk became the first undisputed champion of boxing’s glamour division in the four-belt era, the second division he has conquered during a glittering career.
After winning gold at the 2012 Olympic Games, Usyk added World and European golds to an accomplished career as an amateur.
He then unified the cruiserweight division in 2018 by defeating Murat Gassiev by unanimous decision before defending all of those titles in a brutal knockout of British fighter Tony Bellew.
Upon moving into the heavyweight division, Usyk defeated Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora before conquering all of Anthony Joshua (twice), Daniel Dubois and Fury.
A money-spinning rematch with Fury is already scheduled for December but Usyk has hinted it may be his last in the heavyweight division before returning to the cruiserweights.
“I think maybe after rematch I am going to go down my weight to cruiserweight,” he told the 3 Knockdown Podcast.
“I want more cruiserweight.
“I can get undisputed second time in cruiserweight division. It's my plan because when I start my prepare my training camp I have to eat every time. For me it's hard.”
When asked if Fury - who had moved into the ascendancy in last month’s fight before Usyk’s stunning blitz in round nine - was the hardest puncher he’d ever faced, Usyk in fact snubbed the ‘Gypsy King’.
“Toughest fight - yes. Biggest punch - no. Because Derek Chisora, very tough guy. [One punch landed] on the gloves and I said, 'Oh my God. Like a baseball bat.'”
Usyk could yet be stripped of the IBF World title, with Joshua potentially facing Dubois for that belt in September.
