Oleksandr Usyk could switch weight if he beats Tyson Fury for a second time, his promoter has told talkSPORT.
The current heavyweight world champion will renew his intriguing battle with Fury for a second time this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk got the better of the ‘Gypsy King’ in a thrilling duel in May, gaining a split decision win to complete his path to become undisputed king.
It was an astonishing feat for Usyk, who previously reigned as an undisputed cruiserweight champion, before vacating the crown at the end of 2018.
Having never been defeated in that weight category either, ‘The Cat’ has always contemplated moving back down.
And in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT on Fight Night Daily, his promoter Alex Krassyuk has confirmed he could execute that shock plan if he gets the better of Fury again.
Krassyuk said: “He was [Usyk] saying seriously that he wants to go back and cruiserweight and collect all the belts again.”
When asked if it could jeopardise his undefeated record, Krassyuk added: “It might affect him.
“Age might affect him and time might affect him. But it is up to him, he is ultimately the decision maker.
“I’ve been backing him throughout his career and I will continue to back him in the future.”
Usyk has suggested exactly that before, but a defeat to Fury in their second episode could spark a trilogy fight.
The pair would then have one win apiece, and have regularly teased that a historic third showdown would then be on the table.
But Usyk himself has this week already suggested that he could move in weight, a central part of his future plans.
He told Sky Sports: “I’ll try and go back to cruiserweight again. Yeah I will try.”
Usyk dominated the division for several years, wiping out and beating the best fighters at the time including Tony Bellew, Mairis Briedis and Murat Gassiev.
There could be two big opportunities on the table for him if he chooses to return, including a title clash with current leading cruiserweight Jai Opetaia.
Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez also recently made the step up from light-heavyweight and currently holds the WBA and WBO world titles.
For now, focus will be on beating Fury again who is expected to once again be a big challenge for the gifted boxer.
And Krassyuk believes Usyk will get the job done again, and spell a career-ending fate on his opponent Fury.
He continued: “I read that this guy [Fury] is respecting Usyk for real.
“He understands this is the biggest fight of his career. If he is done this time, his career is finished.
“He has no future as an elite fighter and I think he is taking it seriously.
“This is his [Fury’s] last chance.”
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday, December 21 with our coverage kicking off from 7.30pm
