Heavyweight superstar, Oleksandr Usyk, is targeting a return to the cruiserweight division in 2027, with a showdown against David Benavidez in mind before bringing his illustrious boxing career to an end.

As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, the Ukrainian’s adviser, Sergey Lapin, revealed that the former undisputed heavyweight champion wants to reclaim the undisputed cruiserweight crown in what is expected to be the final chapter of his professional career.

Usyk, 39, had previously suggested that he wanted a final fight, describing it as his “last dance”.

Although a heavyweight farewell was initially anticipated, Lapin’s comments suggest that the former champion is now considering a return to the division where he first established himself as one of boxing’s leading fighters.

According to Lapin, Usyk’s immediate ambition is to fight for a vacant cruiserweight world title before pursuing an undisputed unification clash against Benavidez.

“Oleksandr aims to return to cruiserweight in 2027 and become undisputed again,” Lapin said.

“First, we are looking at a fight for a vacant world title. Then, the goal is to face David Benavidez to unify all the belts and become undisputed cruiserweight champion.

“We see 2027 as the final chapter of his career. He wants to finish as undisputed champion in the division where he first won all the belts.”

Usyk enjoyed a dominant spell at cruiserweight, winning all 16 of his fights in the division and becoming undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight in 2019.

He subsequently established himself among the sport’s greatest fighters, becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and recording victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

The undefeated Ukrainian has a professional record of 25 wins from 25 fights.

However, Benavidez represents a significant challenge should the proposed showdown materialise.

The 29-year-old American has won all 32 of his professional contests and currently holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles. He is scheduled to face Poland’s Michal Cieslak on 5 December, with the WBC cruiserweight title at stake.

Meanwhile, the IBF title remains vacant after Jai Opetaia was stripped of the belt in March.

A victory over Benavidez would give Usyk the opportunity to become undisputed cruiserweight champion for a second time and potentially end his career with another historic achievement.

For now, the proposed 2027 return remains a plan, but Usyk’s reported ambition has placed a potential blockbuster encounter with Benavidez firmly on the radar.