Billam-Smith Welcomes Usyk's Possible Move to Cruiserweight

Oleksandr Usyk's plan to return to cruiserweight could work in Chris Billam-Smith's favor. Usyk beat Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois in the heavyweight division. He also won a world championship at cruiserweight.

Usyk's team announced that he is considering a return to cruiserweight before his career ends. Billam-Smith said he welcomed the move. The former WBO cruiserweight world champion said Usyk's return could push him down one place in the rankings, but that it would be a big gain for the division.

The name Usyk could target at cruiserweight is David Benavidez, who holds the WBA and WBO titles. If Benavidez accepts the fight, the bout expected between Usyk and Jai Opetaia would be postponed. Opetaia is expected to return to cruiserweight after his December fight with Deontay Wilder, and he will look for a new opponent at that point.

Billiam-Smith believes this situation could create an opportunity for him. He said he wants to be the first boxer to beat Opetaia, and that he thinks Benavidez will beat him, which makes that fight look more likely now. However, first he has a dangerous fight against Cheavon Clarke this Saturday.