After his rematch with Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk is considering a return to the cruiserweight division. This decision has left many puzzled, as it seems like he would be giving up on the immense opportunities available in the heavyweight division. In an interview with 3 Knockout Rule, Usyk expressed his desire to become a two-time Undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division.
A Questionable Move
Usyk’s potential move back to cruiserweight raises eyebrows due to the lack of compelling opponents in that weight class. With the current cruiserweight champions being less renowned names such as Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelyan, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, and Chris Billiam-Smith, the competition seems underwhelming. The absence of top-tier opponents at cruiserweight makes one wonder about the motivation behind Usyk’s decision.
The Midlife Crisis Theory
Some fans speculate that Usyk’s desire to return to cruiserweight may be a sign of a midlife crisis. At 37 years old, Usyk could be feeling nostalgic about his younger days in the sport and seeking to relive his past successes. However, this move could potentially be a step backward in his career, especially considering the financial gains he stands to lose by not staying in the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s dominance in the cruiserweight division six years ago is undeniable, but the landscape has changed since then. The lack of big names and lucrative opportunities in cruiserweight compared to heavyweight could be a significant financial sacrifice for Usyk. Walking away from potential trilogy matches against Anthony Joshua and bouts against rising stars like Daniel Dubois could be a missed opportunity for Usyk.
While Usyk’s decision to return to cruiserweight may seem puzzling to many, only time will tell if it was the right move for his career. As he prepares for his rematch with Tyson Fury, the outcome of that fight could significantly impact his future decisions. Whether Usyk chooses to pursue his goal of becoming a two-time Undisputed champion in the cruiserweight division or opt to stay in the heavyweight division for bigger challenges, the boxing world will be watching closely.