After dethroning previously undefeated lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury, undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is considering an unexpected return to the cruiserweight division.

In May, the long-awaited fight between Usyk and Fury took place in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, with the aim of determining the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. After a sluggish start, Usyk dramatically turned things around in the ninth round, scoring a knockout over Fury, who held the WBC and lineal world titles entering the fight. After the final bell, the fight went to the judges’ scorecards, which resulted in the victory for Usyk.

Two judges scored the fight in Usyk’s favor [115-112], [114-113]while the third referee had it for Fury [114-113]. The victory established Usyk as the undisputed heavyweight champion, marking a historic moment in boxing history.

Due to the rematch clause, Usyk will face Fury again in delayed December, also in Saudi Arabia. During a recent appearance on the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast, Usyk and his manager Egis Klimas hinted at the possibility of the champion returning to the cruiserweight division, where he reigned as a formidable force for over a decade.

“I think maybe after the rematch I will go down to cruiserweight. I want more (fights at) cruiserweight,” Usyk said, a statement reflecting his past dominance in the division. Klimas then broke the news, saying the plan was to get back into the division and try to become the undisputed champion again, but in his own division.

Since courting the heavyweight crowd, the cruiserweight division has seen its main titles spread to novel challengers. The IBF title is currently vacant, Chris Billam-Smith holds the WBO title, Gilberto Ramirez wins the WBA title, and Norair Mikaelian is the current WBC champion. Usyk’s potential return to the cruiserweight division would upset the current titleholders and potentially set the stage for a high-stakes unification fight that is sure to excite boxing enthusiasts.

On June 15, Billam-Smith is scheduled to defend his WBO cruiserweight title for the second time against Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park in London. The fight carries added intrigue as Riakporhe dealt Billam-Smith the only loss of his 19-1 record in 2019, winning a split decision to capture the WBA intercontinental cruiserweight championship.

The upcoming fight gives Billam-Smith a chance to avenge his only loss and cement his status as a top cruiserweight. At the same time, Riakporhe aims to repeat his previous success and win the WBO title. The Ring ranks Billam-Smith as the top contender in the division, making it the favorite to welcome Usyk back to the division if he wins the upcoming fight. British boxer Lawrence Okolie also put forward his name as a potential Usyk opponent after Deonatay Wilder was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang on June 1.

“I feel like everyone else in the UK has had their shot. I want to test it,” Okolie said. “It’s sensational [and] Very talented, but I have attributes that he hasn’t had to box with in a long time, like speed. I would love to, if he has the desire to be a three-weight world champion, let’s do it.”