Oleksandr Usyk’s potential return to the cruiserweight division has become a point of interest following his successful victory over Tyson Fury for a second time. Jack, the current WBC cruiserweight champion, has expressed interest in facing Usyk, a matchup that would bring together two highly accomplished fighters for a significant bout in the division.
Badou Jack’s Recent Journey
Badou Jack, a veteran of 34 professional fights, has built a reputation for competing against top-tier opponents such as Anthony Dirrell, George Groves, James DeGale, and Adonis Stevenson. Since his 2019 loss to Jean Pascal, Jack has rebuilt his career with six consecutive wins, including a notable 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Junior Makabu in February 2023, where he captured the WBC cruiserweight title.
Plans to move up to bridgerweight for a fourth divisional title did not materialize, despite agreements for a bout with Ryan Rozicki. Jack was subsequently reinstated as the WBC cruiserweight champion, and his focus has returned to the 200-pound division. It is expected that Badou Jack would fight two to three times in 2025, starting with a mandatory title defence against Rozicki.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Return to Cruiserweight
Oleksandr Usyk’s dominance at cruiserweight is well-documented. In 2018, he unified all four major titles to become the division’s undisputed champion before moving up to heavyweight, where he has since defeated Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. His recent success at heavyweight has fuelled speculation about his ability to return to the 200-pound division.
Both Badou Jack and Oleksandr Usyk share a history from their amateur days, when they faced off at the 2006 European Championships. While some question whether Usyk can comfortably cut back to cruiserweight after several years at heavyweight, his adaptability and technical skill remain key assets.
Big Fights Continue in the Middle East
Both Jack and Usyk have a history of competing in the Middle East, making Riyadh a likely venue for a potential matchup. Jack has fought four times in the region, and his victory over Makabu in Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone in his career. Usyk, too, has seen success in the Middle East, defeating Anthony Joshua in Jeddah and Tyson Fury in Riyadh.
Before any negotiations with Oleksandr Usyk can take place, Badou Jack is expected to defend his WBC title against mandatory challenger Ryan Rozicki. If successful, the path to a high-profile fight with Usyk becomes more likely. For Jack, it would be an opportunity to end his career on a high note, while for Usyk, it would represent a chance to reclaim his place as the top fighter in the cruiserweight division.
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