Oleksandr Usyk has shocked fans by revealing he wants to make a big career change after his rematch with Tyson Fury later this year.

The Ukrainian defeated Fury this month in a spilt decision victory to become the first fighter since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999 to unify the belts.

He has cemented himself as the best heavyweight on the planet, having previously dominated the cruiserweight division.

And Usyk has hinted that his second fight with Fury may be his last at heavyweight with the undisputed champion seriously considering a move back down to his previous weight.

Speaking on the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast, he said: ‘I think maybe after rematch I am going to go down my weight to cruiserweight. I want more cruiserweight.

Oleksandr Usyk has shocked fans by revealing he wants to make a big career change
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Oleksandr Usyk has shocked fans by revealing he wants to make a big career change

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‘I can get undisputed second time in cruiserweight division. It’s my plan because when I start my prepare my training camp I have to eat every time. For me it’s hard.’

Usyk is naturally small for the heavyweight division and clearly finds it a struggle to add weight to face men these size of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Fury outweighed Usyk by around 40lb at the weigh-in before their bout in Riyadh despite The Cat gaining over 10lbs from his previous fight.

A second win over Fury would leave Usyk with a pair of wins over the two biggest names in the division and thus the motivation to continue at heavyweight may no longer be there.

Usyk may return to the cruiserweight division after his rematch with Fury later this year
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Usyk may return to the cruiserweight division after his rematch with Fury later this year

Usyk was also asked if Tyson Fury was his toughest fight and the hardest he’s been hit.

He replied: ‘toughest fight – yes. Biggest punch – no. Because Derek Chisora, very tough guy. [One punch landed] on the gloves and I said, ‘Oh my God. Like a baseball bat.’