Usyk vs. Benavidez Targeted for 2027 by Promoter Turki Alalshikh: What We Know So Far

Planned Showdown Between Usyk and Benavidez

According to Главком: Promoter Turki Alalshikh is working to arrange a heavyweight clash between Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk and American David Benavidez, with a target date of 2027. This potential matchup has generated significant buzz, as Benavidez boasts an undefeated professional record of 32 wins, 26 of which came by knockout. Notably, Benavidez made his debut on August 17, 2013, and later captured two championship belts in the light heavyweight division by stopping Gilberto Ramirez.

Oleksandr Usyk's Next Fight

Usyk's next bout is scheduled for May 23, 2026, in Egypt, where he will face Rico Verhoeven. The Ukrainian will defend his WBC title in this contest, set to take place in the desert near the historic pyramids on the Giza Plateau. The undercard will feature seven fights, four of which are title bouts. One of those undercard matches is an IBF title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr., with the winner potentially becoming Usyk's next mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.

Usyk recently vacated the WBO heavyweight world title, though he still holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts. His last fight took place in July 2025, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, securing his third reign as undisputed world champion. Tyson Fury is also considering a third fight with Usyk, adding further intrigue to the heavyweight landscape.

“The King of Boxing vs. The King of Kickboxing” is the unofficial tagline for Usyk's meeting with Verhoeven, a clash expected to be a major highlight on the sports calendar.

The proposed Usyk-Benavidez fight, along with the upcoming Verhoeven matchup, underscores the growing competition in the heavyweight division, which now features some of the most formidable boxers of the era. These bouts could significantly shape Usyk's career trajectory and cement his legacy in the sport. At the same time, the buzz around a potential fight with Benavidez signals the possibility of thrilling new matchups in the coming years, sure to captivate boxing fans worldwide.

As Usyk prepares for his upcoming fight against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, the stakes in the heavyweight division continue to rise. This clash not only serves as a defense of his WBC title but also sets the stage for potential future matchups, including a highly anticipated showdown with Benavidez. For more details on this exciting event and how it will be broadcasted, check out the coverage on the upcoming Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight.