Oleksandr Usyk could soon be in talks with an alternative opponent to Deontay Wilder, who was previously highlighted as a likely option for the Ukrainian’s next outing.
The 39-year-old vacated his three heavyweight titles in June, while also announcing that he will enter one more fight before retiring from the sport.
This news followed his subpar performance against Rico Verhoeven, who gave a terrific effort before ultimately losing their encounter by 11th-round stoppage in May.
It was then widely reported that Usyk was in deep negotiations to face Wilder, only for there to be no word of a date or venue for their potential bout.
Instead of colliding with the former WBC titleholder, though, the Ukrainian could end up pursuing an opportunity against three-division world champion David Benavidez.
‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a vicious sixth-round finish over Gilberto Ramirez, who he dethroned for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles in May.
Since then, WBC ‘interim’ champion Michal Cieslak has emerged as a likely opponent for December 12, while father and trainer Jose Benavidez Sr seems to already be planning a Cinco de Mayo event for 2027.
In a series of recent messages revealed by Ricardo Celis, Benavidez Sr spoke directly with Turki Alalshikh and proposed a heavyweight clash between his son and Usyk.
Yet the Saudi powerbroker just simply responded by saying, “I will see you, brother”, and gave no indication as to whether this represents a realistic option.
🚨 USYK vs DAVID BENAVIDEZ IN PLAY FOR CINCO DE MAYO 2027?
BENAVIDEZ SR REVEALS PRIVATE TURKI MESSAGES | DEMANDS USYK FIGHT FOR CINCO DE MAYO!
David Benavidez’s father shows messages sent directly to Turki Alalshikh as Team Benavidez push for David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Usyk… pic.twitter.com/iyXFOFZec4
— Boxing King Media (@boxingkingmedia) August 23, 2026
Benavidez also suggested a cruiserweight contest against Jai Opetaia, who will face WBC champion Noel Mikaelian on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn on September 12.
