Londion, UK - Oleksandr Usyk made history by becoming only the second cruiserweight to claim the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. After dominating the cruiserweight division, Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019, where he secured wins against Derek Chisora and Chazz Witherspoon before earning a title shot. Though Unified Champion Anthony Joshua was the expected winner, Usyk decisively outpointed him to capture the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.

One title remained out of reach—the WBC and Lineal titles held by Tyson Fury. This showdown would determine the first Undisputed Heavyweight Champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Many believed Fury’s height and reach advantage would be too much for Usyk. However, in 2024, Usyk proved the skeptics wrong, defeating Fury and cementing his legacy as the undisputed champion. These remarkable victories have secured Usyk’s place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

A Short List of Success Stories

The list of cruiserweights who have successfully transitioned to heavyweight is brief, yet impressive.

Evander Holyfield stands out as one of the most iconic figures to make the jump. After becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion in the late 1980s, he moved to heavyweight and faced legends like Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe, winning multiple world titles in the process.

David Haye took a similar path. After becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion in 2008, Haye moved up and captured the WBA heavyweight title by defeating Nikolai Valuev in 2009. Both Holyfield and Haye demonstrated that speed, skill, and tenacity from the cruiserweight division can make an impact among heavyweights.

How Big Are the Differences?

In boxing, the cruiserweight division caps at 200 pounds (90.7 kg), while the heavyweight division starts from 200 pounds with no upper limit. This gap represents not only a significant weight increase but also a shift in style and power that can be challenging for lighter fighters to overcome.

Proving Anything Is Possible

Some boxers have even moved from lower weight classes to find success in the heavyweight ranks.

James Toney began his career at middleweight and claimed world titles across multiple divisions, ultimately scoring a huge win at heavyweight with a memorable victory over Evander Holyfield.

Roy Jones Jr. started in the light middleweight division and climbed through the ranks to eventually challenge the heavyweights. In 2003, Jones made history by defeating John Ruiz to claim the WBA heavyweight title, further proving that skill and adaptability can transcend weight classes.

Who’s Next in Line?

Several promising cruiserweights are now setting their sights on heavyweight glory.

Lawrence Okolie will make his professional heavyweight debut on December 7. Since starting his career in 2017, Okolie has demonstrated his physical strength and reach, amassing a 20-1 record with 14 knockouts. His achievements in the cruiserweight division include multiple titles, including the WBA and WBO world championships, and in 2024, he claimed a minor heavyweight belt. At 1.96 meters, Okolie matches the height of Daniel Dubois, and stands taller than Holyfield, Haye, and Usyk. Training frequently with Anthony Joshua, Okolie has gained valuable experience as he prepares for the heavyweight ranks.

Jai Opetaia is another cruiserweight poised to make the jump. The Australian fighter captured attention in 2022 with a stunning victory over Mairis Briedis, claiming the IBF cruiserweight title. Opetaia’s strong amateur background, including competing in the 2012 Olympics at just 16 years old, has equipped him with the discipline needed for heavyweight success. At 1.88 meters, he is the shortest among the names mentioned, but with a 26-0 record and 20 knockouts, Opetaia has shown he possesses the resilience and adaptability required for the move.

With the groundwork laid by champions like Usyk and Holyfield, Okolie and Opetaia aim to prove that the leap from cruiserweight to heavyweight can lead to unprecedented achievements. The division will be watching closely as these fighters work to carve out their own heavyweight legacies.