Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk (Ukrainian: Олександр Олександрович Усик, pronounced [olekˈsɑndr ˈusɪk]; born 17 January 1987) is a Ukrainian professional boxer who has achieved undisputed championship status in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from May to June 2024, holding the International Boxing Organization (IBO) title since 2021 and the Ring magazine title since 2022.

Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis was stripped of the title on 12 April 2000, and the first heavyweight in history to hold the world titles of all four major sanctioning bodies—the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version), World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO)—in the "four-belt era." He previously held the undisputed cruiserweight championship from 2018 to 2019 and is the first boxer to become the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions since Evander Holyfield in 1990. Usyk is also the third male boxer in history, after Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the four-belt era.

As an amateur, Usyk won heavyweight gold medals at the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Olympics, amassing a record of 335 wins and 15 losses. He turned professional in 2013, capturing his first world title in 2016. By winning the undisputed cruiserweight championship in 2018 in his 15th professional fight, Usyk became the first Ukrainian undisputed champion in history. He claimed three of his four titles during the inaugural World Boxing Super Series tournament, in which he won the Muhammad Ali Trophy, as well as the Ring and lineal titles. Usyk was named the 2018 Fighter of the Year by ESPN, The Ring, and the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

Usyk vacated his cruiserweight titles in 2019 to move up to heavyweight. In 2021, he defeated unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. He successfully defended these titles in a rematch against Joshua in 2022, while also winning the vacant

Oleksandr Usyk was born into a humble family in Simferopol, a city in Crimea. His early life was marked by economic hardship, and his family had to work hard to make ends meet. From a young age, Usyk displayed a keen interest in sports, initially engaging in football. He played for the youth team of SC Tavriya Simferopol from 2002 to 2006, demonstrating his athletic prowess and competitive spirit. However, due to financial constraints and limited opportunities in football, Usyk transitioned to boxing at the age of 15.

Usyk's dedication to boxing was evident from the start. He trained at a local gym in Simferopol, where he quickly impressed his coaches with his natural talent and work ethic. His early boxing education was under the guidance of Serhiy Lapin, who played a crucial role in shaping Usyk's technical foundation and strategic approach. Usyk's amateur career was distinguished by numerous national and international successes, which laid the groundwork for his future achievements in the sport.

Usyk's amateur career was illustrious, with significant milestones including winning the European Championships in 2008 and the World Championships in 2011. However, the pinnacle of his amateur career was his gold medal victory at the 2012 London Olympics. This achievement not only solidified his status as one of the top amateur boxers in the world but also set the stage for his professional career.

Turning professional in 2013, Usyk made an immediate impact in the cruiserweight division. His first major title came in 2016 when he defeated Krzysztof Głowacki to win the WBO cruiserweight title. Usyk’s journey to unify the cruiserweight division was marked by victories over formidable opponents, including Michael Hunter, Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, and Murat Gassiev. By 2018, Usyk had become the undisputed cruiserweight champion, holding all four major titles and earning the distinction of being the first boxer to do so in the division’s history.

In 2019, Usyk moved up to the heavyweight division, a transition that was met with great anticipation. His heavyweight debut was against Chazz Witherspoon, whom he defeated via a seventh-round stoppage. In 2020, he faced Derek Chisora, securing a unanimous decision victory in a hard-fought contest. Usyk’s most significant heavyweight achievement came in 2021 when he faced Anthony Joshua for the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO

Oleksandr Usyk's legacy in boxing is already well-established, given his achievements in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He is regarded as one of the most technically proficient boxers of his generation, known for his adaptability and intelligence in the ring. Usyk's impact extends beyond his titles; he is seen as an ambassador for Ukrainian boxing and a role model for aspiring athletes. As he continues his career, Usyk aims to further solidify his status as a top heavyweight by seeking out and defeating the best fighters in the division. His future endeavors are highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as he strives to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

1. "Hard-Hitting Federal Judge Strips Lewis of WBA Title". Los Angeles Times. 13 April 2000. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
2. Sajad, Kal (19 May 2024). "Usyk beats Fury to become undisputed champion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
3. "Fighter of the Year". Sports Illustrated. 12 December 2018. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
4. "Aleksandr Usyk named ESPN 2018 fighter of the year". ESPN. 20 December 2018. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
5. "Александр Усик – украинский казак, завоевавший Лондон". tochka.net (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.