Usyk eyes cruiserweight return, setting sights on Nyika

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 04:02 · Archive

Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to cruiserweight and pursue the IBF title held by New Zealand fighter David Nyika.

Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight champion, intends to return to cruiserweight boxing in what he describes as a final act to sweep all the division's belts. The 39-year-old has unified the cruiserweight division before moving up to defeat Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois twice in the past five years. He now wants to reclaim that division's titles, beginning with the vacant IBF belt.

Usyk's plan has set him on a course towards David Nyika, a New Zealand Olympian based in rural Queensland under trainer Noel Thornberry. Nyika is the IBF's top-ranked contender. However, a potential title fight has been delayed because the IBF is engaged in a legal dispute with another Queensland-based champion, Jai Opetaia, who knocked out Nyika last January to retain the IBF and The Ring titles.

Opetaia's IBF status was stripped when he joined rebel league Zuffa Boxing this year. The Australian is planning a heavyweight bout against Deontay Wilder next month and a potential unification with David Benavidez, who holds the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, next May. Should Opetaia win back his IBF title through legal proceedings and secure a fight with Usyk, Nyika would remain the mandatory challenger and could demand step-aside money to allow the bout to proceed.

How it is being reported

• Usyk's path to global dominance goes through GattonDavid Nyika, the New Zealand Olympian based in the quiet rural Queensland town of Gatton, has found himself central to Oleksandr Usyk's next grand plans.Perth Now · 2 Nov, 03:41
• Usyk's path to global dominance goes through GattonDavid Nyika, the New Zealand Olympian based in the quiet rural Queensland town of Gatton, has found himself central to Oleksandr Usyk's next grand plans.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 03:41

In this story: Oleksandr Usyk · David Nyika · David Benavidez · Jai Opetaia · Ukraine · New Zealand · Queensland · Gatton

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