Oleksandr Usyk

About

Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian professional boxer widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Known for his skill, agility, and tactical prowess, Usyk has made significant strides in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. As of 2023, he is the reigning WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion. His career is marked by an undefeated record and numerous accolades, making him a prominent figure in the realm of boxing.

Before Fame

Born on January 17, 1987, in Simferopol, Crimea, Oleksandr Usyk's journey to boxing stardom began at a young age. He initially pursued a career in football, playing as a goalkeeper. However, at the age of 15, he shifted his focus to boxing. Usyk honed his skills at the Simferopol State University of Ukraine, where he studied physical culture and sports. His dedication and hard work paid off as he made a name for himself in the amateur boxing circuit, culminating in a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the heavyweight division.

Trivia

• Oleksandr Usyk is one of only three boxers to have unified all four major world titles in a weight class, doing so in the cruiserweight division.
• He is also the first boxer in history to unify the cruiserweight titles in the four-belt era and then win multiple titles in the heavyweight division.
• Usyk speaks multiple languages, including Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
• Known for his eccentric entrances, he often dances or performs unique routines while entering the ring.
• Usyk has a distinct pre-fight ritual that includes wearing a hat given to him by his trainer and reciting a prayer.

Family Life

Oleksandr Usyk is a devoted family man. He is married to Kateryna Usyk, and the couple has three children together: a daughter named Yelizaveta and two sons, Kyrylo and Mykhailo. Despite his grueling training schedule and frequent travel for matches, Usyk places a high priority on family life, often sharing moments with his loved ones on social media.

Associated With

Throughout his illustrious career, Oleksandr Usyk has faced and defeated numerous notable opponents. He gained significant attention for his victories over Tony Bellew, Murat Gassiev, and Anthony Joshua. Usyk's fights are often highly anticipated, drawing comparisons to other boxing greats such as Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis due to his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. He is also closely associated with fellow Ukrainian boxer Vasyl Lomachenko, with whom he shares a strong friendship and mutual professional respect.