Teddy Atlas has assessed Oleksandr Usyk’s credentials as a “generational champion” following reports that he could end up facing David Benavidez.
The Ukrainian vacated his three world heavyweight titles in June, shortly after his tougher-than-expected 11th-round stoppage of former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
Along with that, Usyk announced that he will be having just one more fight before calling time on his decorated career as a three-time, two-division undisputed king.
Initially, it appeared as though this last dance would arrive against Deontay Wilder, only for both heavyweights to go their separate ways following a collapse in negotiations.
As a result, it seems that Usyk has now turned his attention towards returning to cruiserweight and taking on Benavidez, who claimed the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles by dethroning Gilberto Ramirez with a sixth-round stoppage in May.
As for his next outing, on December 5, the 29-year-old will attempt to topple WBC cruiserweight champion Michal Cieslak while Usyk, according to advisor Serhii Lapin, is targeting a vacant IBF title shot at 200lbs.
If this opportunity materialises, and both of them emerge victorious, then the 39-year-old could end up facing Benavidez in an undisputed fight next year, with the two teams having already spoken about the potential match-up.
Taking to social media, legendary trainer Atlas gave Usyk full credit for constantly chasing the biggest challenges.
“Even as he approaches 40, Usyk shows why he’s a generational champion. Always looking ahead, never behind, for the next greatest challenge. Now it’s to drop [down in weight and] fight undefeated cruiser champ Benavidez. Wow. Great seeks out great. Always!”
Even as he approaches 40 Usyk shows why he’s a generational Champion. Always looking ahead never behind for the next greatest Challenge. Now it’s to drop wt. & fight undefeated Cruiser Champ Benavidez. Wow. Great seeks out Great. Always! 👑🧨👊🥊❤️👏 pic.twitter.com/mxnIxzwk5H
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) October 30, 2026
While having expressed his interest in facing Usyk, Benavidez has also verbally agreed to collide with cruiserweight rival Jai Opetaia in May 2027.
