A close advisor to Oleksandr Usyk has assessed the likelihood of a clash with David Benavidez, who has expressed interest in making an audacious move up to heavyweight.
‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a WBO and WBA title triumph over Gilberto Ramirez, dethroning the 34-year-old with a ruthless sixth-round finish last Saturday.
In doing so, Benavidez became a three-division world champion in his first outing at 200lbs, while still keeping hold of his WBC light-heavyweight belt.
He therefore has the option to enter an undisputed showdown with Dmitry Bivol, who must first defeat mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 30.
Preliminary talks, however, have already been held between both sides, with Benavidez having since proposed a possible catchweight limit of 190lbs.
This, in theory, would allow the 29-year-old to defend his cruiserweight titles while also bidding to claim the undisputed crown at 175lbs, though Bivol is yet to agree or even respond to such terms.
As an alternative option, Benavidez could just move straight up to heavyweight and challenge Usyk, who still holds the WBC, IBF and WBA titles.
With Turki Alalshikh having already expressed his eagerness to deliver this fight in 2027, Team Usyk has now responded through Ready To Fight CEO Sergey Lapin.
Speaking with Pro Boxing Fans, Lapin confirmed that a potential Benavidez fight is certainly on the table.
“It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide. It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr.”
‼️ @usykaa's manager Sergey Lapin tells us @Benavidez300 is an "interesting option" for him: "It could be a very interesting fight and definitely one that would attract a lot of attention from fans worldwide… It’s definitely an interesting option for Oleksandr." pic.twitter.com/fy4uGWNXbP
— Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) May 7, 2026
Before anything else, Usyk must first defend his WBC title against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, on May 23.
