Oleksandr Usyk‘s planned farewell tour has hit an unexpected roadblock. David Nyika’s team intends to enforce his mandatory standing with the IBF, putting a wrench in the Ukrainian’s plan to capture another undisputed cruiserweight crown.
Trainer Noel Thornberry confirmed he reached out to Usyk’s management regarding a potential clash. He made it clear that while they want the fight, stepping aside for a different matchup will require serious negotiation. As Thornberry told AAP, everyone would need to sit down to reach a deal.
Usyk’s camp envisions a two-bout cruiserweight run in 2027. Step one involves claiming a vacant belt. Step two targets David Benavidez for all four titles. For that scenario to materialize, Benavidez must defeat WBC titlist Michal Cieslak on December 5 to unify three belts, leaving the IBF strap as the final piece Usyk must supply for the undisputed finale.
Mapping out that schedule on paper is simple enough, but executing it requires cooperation from fighters who have no interest in playing along. Nyika wants to build his own legacy, giving him zero incentive to stand down just to accommodate a heavyweight champion’s retirement timeline.
Ranked as the IBF’s top contender, Nyika sits in prime position. The division remains murky, however, with former champion Jai Opetaia currently contesting the stripping of his belt following his jump to Zuffa Boxing. Opetaia stopped Nyika in January 2025, meaning any legal resolution reinstating Opetaia would shake up Usyk’s options even further.
Thornberry’s approach prepares for either scenario. His team welcomes a direct shot at Usyk, but also acknowledges that a lucrative deal would be required to let an Opetaia bout happen first. While these statements make Nyika’s ambitions obvious, the IBF has yet to issue an official fight order.
Weight presents another major hurdle. Usyk turns 40 in January and hasn’t made 200 pounds since knocking out Tony Bellew in November 2018. While advisor Serhii Lapin maintains Usyk will be at peak form against Benavidez, dropping back down after eight years at heavyweight creates real physical uncertainty.
Thornberry openly questions whether an aging Usyk can handle the cut, stressing that Nyika views the former undisputed ruler as a beatable target rather than an intimidating legend.
Regardless of past victories or legendary status, securing another championship still demands a sanctioning body belt, an eligible challenger, and signed paperwork. Before Usyk can lock in his grand exit, Nyika’s camp plans on forcing its way to the negotiating table.
