Oleksandr Usyk is running out of opponents having cleaned out the heavyweight division.
The Ukrainian cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of his generation in December, defeating Tyson Fury for the second time to successfully defend his unified WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
After writing himself into the boxing history books with two victories over ‘The Gypsy King’, Usyk is now faced with making a decision on what route to take next in what has been an incredible career.
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Having already won the undisputed championship at cruiserweight and heavyweight, there surely can’t be much left to achieve for the Ukrainian superstar.
Step forward reigning IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who has said he would ‘hands down’ take a fight against Usyk and offered him a chance to return to the division he dominated for five years or face him at heavyweight down the line. The 29-year-old from Australia is unbeaten in 27 contests, with two solid victories over Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
Opetaia’s promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear the ‘long term focus’ is a clash against Usyk and believes his man is the only fighter who has a chance of ending the 38-year-old’s undefeated record.
“The medium focus right now is every belt in the division and the long term focus is to fight Usyk for the unified heavyweight world championship. I believe he is the only fighter who can give Usyk a real fight over the next 12-18 moths.”
Speaking to iFL TV, Usyk was asked if he would be interested in facing the Australian star.
“I don’t know, maybe. He’s [Opetaia] a great fighter.”
The Ukrainian was then asked what else he wanted to achieve in the sport, with the prospect of a rematch against Daniel Dubois also an option.
“Now, just rest. No think about boxing.”
Usyk defeated Dubois in August 2023, getting up from the canvas after a controversial body shot landed on the Ukrainian’s belt line.
‘Dynamite’ went on to capture the IBF heavyweight title last year, making his first defence in a shock victory over Anthony Joshua last September.
Dubois stormed the ring just minutes after Usyk’s win in December, as he targets a rematch against the Ukrainian which would give him an opportunity to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
