Oleksandr Usyk has ruled out a possible trilogy with Tyson Fury, claiming that he may look to become a two-time world cruiserweight champion instead.
The 37-year-old will lock horns with his heavyweight rival this Saturday, just over six months after becoming a two-division undisputed champion in their first encounter.
While both combatants had their pockets of success, it was Oleksandr Usyk who ultimately edged a split decision following his tremendous onslaught in the later rounds.
But now, with the pair returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a fiercely anticipated sequel, Tyson Fury will be presented with an opportunity to exact his revenge.
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Oleksandr Usyk targets cruiserweight return
Having already proven his quality against Fury, Usyk remains convinced that he will get the job done once again.
Not only that, but the Ukrainian told media members in Riyadh earlier today that he is confident of producing an emphatic finish.
Still, while he came close to doing just that in the ninth round of their first fight, Usyk is perhaps better known for his ability to navigate the 12-round distance.
When taking into consideration his defensive capabilities, too, it is a rematch that ‘The Cat’ may even decide to take a safety-first approach to.
But while there is no way of predicting which version of Usyk will turn up on fight night, the future of his decorated career has, all of a sudden, become much clearer.
“I win again a second fight,” he told Sky Sports, “I’ll [then] try cruiserweight again. I’ll try.”
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Could Oleksandr Usyk face Jai Opetaia or Gilberto Ramirez at cruiserweight?
Since Usyk moved up to heavyweight, the 200 lb division has seen the emergence of IBF and Ring Magazine titlist Jai Opetaia as well as unified WBO and WBA champion Gilberto Ramirez.
Both fighters, of course, would make for intriguing matchups against the former cruiserweight king, who is clearly still giving away a significant size advantage at heavyweight.
In the meantime, though, Ramirez has expressed a desire to take on Opetaia following his comprehensive victory over Chris Billam-Smith.
And so, if either champion were to amass all four major titles, then Usyk would have more of an incentive to face the bona fide king.