Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he plans to return to the cruiserweight division once his rematch with Tyson Fury is over.
Usyk beat Fury last month in a spectacular performance in the ring, with the Ukrainian winning by split decision.
The 37-year-old is scheduled to fight Fury for the second time on December 21st.
But now, he admitted on the Three Knockdowns Rules podcast that he's likely to abandon heavyweight and return to cruiserweight.
Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he plans to drop down to cruiserweight after his rematch with Tyson Fury.
Reuters
“After the rematch, I plan to drop down to cruiserweight. [fights at] “Cruiserweight,” he said.
“Maybe I can get a second unbeaten streak at cruiserweight, that’s my plan.
“As we begin to prepare for training camp [as a heavyweight]I always have to eat.
“It's hard for me, I don't like it.”
Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and weighed 16 stone when he fought Fury.
But given the enormous workload, he would rather move down a division.
It is currently unclear whether his rematch with Fury in December will be for the undisputed world heavyweight championship.
Usyk has requested an exception from the IBF, which had previously said it would strip him of the title if he did not accept a mandatory challenger.
As things stand, the IBF is still considering his request.
Meanwhile, boxing federation president Mauricio Sulaiman said the first bout between Usyk and Fury was a classic fight that will be remembered “for generations”.
He also expressed his belief that three umpires got the right result, despite his preference for a six-umpire varsity.
“This event, and certainly this fight, will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come,” he told Casino Review.
“It was one of the best events and one of the best fights I've ever seen.
“It was an incredible performance from both fighters. So much was at stake, a lot happened before, during and after the fight, but boxing won.”
“This is a gathering that holds many fond memories in our hearts.
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Oleksandr Usyk was too strong against Tyson Fury in their most recent boxing bout
Reuters
He also expressed his belief that three umpires got the right result, despite his preference for a six-umpire varsity.
“This event, and certainly this fight, will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come,” he told Casino Review.
“It was one of the best events and one of the best fights I've ever seen.
“It was an incredible performance from both fighters. So much was at stake, a lot happened before, during and after the fight, but boxing won.”
“This is a gathering that holds many fond memories in our hearts.
Oleksandr Usyk is hoping to win his rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21st.
Reuters
He added: “The big left punch from Usyk at the end of the round was a statement.”
“Scoring is a difficult and complicated task, but I believe Usyk's split decision victory was more than fair and acceptable.”
“Our position is that we always have the best chance of avoiding controversy, which is why we wanted six judges.”
