A win over Tyson Fury officially meant that Oleksandr Usyk was the man to beat in the heavyweight division but some were still a bit skeptical. Yet, after handing Fury his second straight defeat in their immediate rematch, there’s nothing left to debate.

Thanks to those victories, along with a handful of others, the current Ring, WBA, WBC, and WBO titlist is running out of options. Retirement isn’t on the table for the Ukrainian so he’ll play the waiting game to determine who’s worthy of facing him.

Eddie Hearn has watched Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) up close on several occasions. And like most, he’s in love with his skills. With that said, the longtime promoter has a difficult time picking another heavyweight who would have even a remote chance at beating him. But while it’s slim pickins’ in his current weight class, Hearn would like to see a certain cruiserweight get a crack at him.

“I love (Jai) Opetaia against Usyk,” said Hearn to iFL TV. “I just think it’s such a good style matchup."

Opetaia, The Ring’s cruiserweight champion and IBF titlist, would have to ditch his throne and pack on the pounds. Hearn doesn’t believe that would be much of an issue but speaking on a showdown between them is seemingly premature, something Hearn admitted.

David Nyika is hoping that both Opetaia (26-0, 20 KOs) and Hearn are overlooking him as their January 8th showdown moves closer. An upset isn’t an impossibility but Hearn isn’t banking on it. Quietly, the British promoter is already planning Opetaia’s future. Mandatory challengers and matchups against obscure opponents won’t be on their radar. Instead, Hearn is optimistic that he’ll be able to line up champion after champion for Opetaia. If he does, he’s confident that his man will knock them down, which will ultimately lead to an eventual Usyk showdown.

“Jai has got to earn his stripes as well for that fight. He’s got to win and probably unify against Ramirez.”