Usyk plots sensational cruiserweight return if he wins Fury rematch

Oleksandr Usyk revealed he plans to make a sensational return to the cruiserweight division if he defeats Tyson Fury again in this weekend's heavyweight rematch.

Usyk extended his unbeaten professional record to 22 fights with a split decision win over Fury in May, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

The Ukrainian also became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, who beat Evander Holyfield in 1999, joining an elite club of fighters.

After already achieving that feat at cruiserweight, that result made Usyk a two-time, two-weight undisputed champion, and he plans to return to the division if he wins on Saturday.

"I win again a second fight," Usyk told Sky Sports News, "I'll try cruiserweight again. I'll try."

Usyk is also confident of adding to his 22 wins without defeat in his rematch with Fury, which takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"I feel good," Usyk said. "It continues, the 13th round, because I feel like this."

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The opening rounds of their first fight were closely contested, with Fury finding success with his jab, rocking Usyk in the sixth round with a series of huge uppercuts.

Usyk, however, was able to weather the storm, producing a stunning display in the ninth round in which he scored a knockdown as the Gypsy King fell onto the ropes.

Although Fury was able to recover and attempted to rally, the judges ultimately awarded Usyk the split decision victory with scores of 115–112, 113–114, and 114–113.

And despite his performance in their first encounter, Usyk acknowledged the threat his opponent possesses.

"Tyson Fury too had a chance in the sixth round, maybe the seventh round, maybe 12th, 11th, first, second. But Tyson did not do it.

"It's just talk. Tyson said I had the chance. Yeah, no problem. We have a second fight, I'll try."

Fury, however, hopes to avenge the first defeat of his professional career when he fights Usyk on Saturday and then set up a third clash.

"I want the third fight. I want the trilogy," Fury said in a three-person call with both Usyk and the backer of the Riyadh Season event, Turki Alalshikh.

"When I beat him on the 21st there'll be a third fight, 100 per cent. There has to be a trilogy.

"Can't wait. December 21 is my time. The belts are coming back home and there'll be a trilogy. An epic trilogy in '25."

Usyk, though, just laughed that off. "No," he told Fury. "You lose again."