Turki Alalshikh Eyes Blockbuster Usyk vs. Benavidez Clash for 2027

The landscape of professional boxing is shifting once again under the influence of Turki Alalshikh. Following David Benavidez’s spectacular performance this past weekend, reports have surfaced that Alalshikh—Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority—is targeting a massive heavyweight showdown between Benavidez and Oleksandr Usyk for 2027. The news comes on the heels of Benavidez’s dominant sixth-round stoppage of Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez on May 2, 2026. With that victory, "The Mexican Monster" captured the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles, officially becoming a three-division world champion. Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs) proved his power carries up the scales, but a jump to heavyweight to face a technician like Usyk would represent his ultimate career gamble. Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs), currently 39, remains the gold standard of the heavyweight division. The Ukrainian maestro is finalizing preparations for his upcoming bout against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza on May 23. While Usyk has teased retirement in the past, the lure of a 2027 "super-fight" against a peak Benavidez could keep the undisputed great in the ring into his 40th year. For latestboxing.com fans, this proposal raises fascinating questions about weight and legacy. While Benavidez has expressed interest in returning to 175 lbs for clashes with Dmitry Bivol or Canelo Alvarez, the Saudi vision clearly points toward the "Money Division." If Alalshikh has his way, 2027 will host one of the most intriguing style-vs-style matchups in boxing history. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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