Carl Froch has weighed in on a potential clash between Oleksandr Usyk and David Benavidez, who could collide for the undisputed cruiserweight crown in 2027.
For that to happen, Benavidez must first dethrone WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5, while also retaining the WBO and WBA titles he claimed by toppling Gilberto Ramirez with a sixth-round stoppage in May.
It is worth noting, too, that the three-division world champion has already verbally agreed to lock horns with Jai Opetaia on Cinco de Mayo weekend next year.
If he stays true to his word and remains in the win column, then perhaps an Usyk fight could be explored towards the end of 2027, with the Ukrainian having expressed an interest in rejoining the 200lb division.
Not only that, but it seems the 39-year-old is targeting a shot at the IBF title, which became vacant after Opetaia was stripped by the sanctioning body earlier this year.
By claiming that belt, Usyk may then attempt to reclaim his undisputed crown against Benavidez, though Hall of Famer Froch has said on his YouTube channel that the lineal heavyweight champion could be making a big mistake.
“I just think it’s madness. Is Usyk just a f**king madman? Does he love boxing that much?
“It would be a big-money fight, but I think he can earn bigger money without taking such a massive risk. I don’t think he should be going down to cruiserweight and fighting somebody like Benavidez.
“If you’re gonna go down, go down and take an easy touch. But he’s jumping straight in the shark tank with Benavidez.”
Given his tougher-than-expected 11th-round stoppage of Rico Verhoeven in May, others would agree that Usyk is playing with fire by targeting a Benavidez fight.
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