Jump to content

Oleksandr Usyk

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Usyk)

In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming customs, the patronymic is Oleksandrovych and the family name is Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk
Олександр Усик
Headshot of Oleksandr Usyk, a white man with short, dark hair, speaking at a conference
Usyk in 2022
Born (1987-01-17) 17 January 1987 (age 37)
Simferopol, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Other namesThe Cat
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[1]
Reach198 cm (78 in)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights22
Wins22
Wins by KO14
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Ukraine
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2012 London Heavyweight
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2011 Baku Heavyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Milan Heavyweight
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2008 Liverpool Light-heavyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2006 Plovdiv Middleweight
World Cup
Silver medal – second place 2008 Moscow Heavyweight
Strandzha Cup
Gold medal – first place 2008 Plovdiv Light-heavyweight

Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk (Ukrainian: Олександр Олександрович Усик, pronounced [olekˈsɑndr ˈusɪk]; born 17 January 1987) is a Ukrainian professional boxer. He has held the undisputed championship[a] in two weight classes, at cruiserweight and heavyweight, and reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from May to June 2024. He has also held 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,[2] 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".[3] Previously he held the undisputed cruiserweight championship from 2018 to 2019, and is the first boxer to become the undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion 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.[4]

As an amateur, Usyk won heavyweight gold medals at the 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympics while accumulating a record of 335 wins and 15 losses. He turned professional in 2013, winning his first regional title in 2014 after five fights and his first world title in 2016 after ten fights. By winning the undisputed cruiserweight championship in 2018, in his 15th professional fight, Usyk became the first Ukrainian undisputed champion in history. Three of his four titles were won 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).[5][6][7]

He vacated his cruiserweight titles in 2019 to move up to heavyweight. In 2021, Usyk defeated unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. He defended the titles in a rematch against Joshua in 2022, while winning the vacant Ring title. In May 2024, Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to claim the WBC title and the undisputed championship in his second weight class.

Early life

Usyk was born in Simferopol, Crimean Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, on 17 January 1987, to parents originally from northern Ukraine. His mother was born in the Chernihiv region (in the village of Rybotyn, Korop Raion),[8][9] while his father was a native of Sumy.[10][8] His mother worked in construction and moved to Simferopol to study.[10] His father was a military man who passed through Afghanistan, working as a security guard in Crimea, and the two met there.

He is the first born of his family and he has two siblings.[11] Until age 15, he played football and was trained at the SC Tavriya Simferopol specialized sports school of Olympic reserve (club's football academy).[12] In 2002 Usyk switched to boxing. He is a graduate of Lviv State University of Physical Culture.

Amateur career

Usyk in 2012

At the 2006 European Championships he won his first three matches but lost in the semi-final to Matvey Korobov.[13]

He then moved up to light-heavyweight later and won the Strandja Cup in 2008. In February 2008, he moved up another weight class and was sent to the Olympic qualifier in Roseto degli Abruzzi replacing European Champion Denys Poyatsyka. There he defeated world class Azeri Elchin Alizade and Daniel Price.[14]

At the 2008 Olympic Games, Usyk outpointed Yushan Nijiati by 23–4, but lost to Clemente Russo by 4–7 in the quarter-final.[15]

He dropped down to light-heavyweight and won gold at the 2008 European Championships, but later moved back up to heavyweight. At the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships he defeated Artur Beterbiev and Teymur Mammadov to win the heavyweight title and qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[16]

At the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Usyk won the gold medal, outpointing Artur Beterbiev, Tervel Pulev and Italy's Clemente Russo, outscoring him by 6–3 in the final.[17]

Usyk retired from amateur boxing with a record of 335−15.[18]

Prior to turning professional, he competed in the heavyweight division (91+ kg) of the 2012–13 World Series of Boxing (WSB), as part of team Ukraine Otamans, winning all six of his bouts with two by stoppage (Junior Fa by UD, Eric Brechlin by 3rd-round TKO, Joe Joyce by UD, Magomedrasul Majidov by UD, Matteo Modugno by 2nd-round TKO and Mihai Nistor by UD).[19][20]

Professional career

Early career

Usyk turned pro in late 2013 at the age of 26 and signed a promotional deal with the Klitschko brothers' K2 Promotions, fighting in the cruiserweight division.[21]

On 9 November 2013 Usyk made his professional debut by defeating Mexican fighter Felipe Romero via a fifth-round knockout.[22] The following month he stopped 38 year old Epifanio Mendoza in four rounds.[23] In his third professional fight on 26 April 2014, Usyk made his debut in Germany on the undercard of Klitschko-Leapai at the Koenig Pilsener Arena, defeating Ben Nsafoah via third-round knockout.[24] A month later, Usyk returned home and scored a fourth-round knockout-victory over Argentine Cesar David Crenz.

Rise up the ranks

Usyk's fight with Andrey Knyazev attracted 3.6 million viewers on Ukrainian television[25]

Usyk won his first title on 4 October 2014, after beating South African boxer Daniel Bruwer via seventh-round technical knockout (TKO) for the interim WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title.[26] Usyk defended the title two months later, stopping 35 year old Danie Venter in the ninth-round.[27] Usyk was ahead on all three judges' scorecards at the time of stoppage.

Usyk made another defence on 18 April 2015, against former Russian cruiserweight champion Andrey Knyazev (11–1, 6 KOs) in Kyiv. After seven one-sided rounds, referee Mickey Vann finally stopped the fight in round eight after deciding Knyazev had taken too much punishment. This win kept Usyk on course to a WBO title fight against then champion Marco Huck.[28]

On 29 August 2015, Usyk defeated former South African light heavyweight champion Johnny Muller via third-round TKO at the Sport Palace in Kyiv, which saw Usyk control the fight with a jab. Usyk knocked down Muller twice in round three and although Muller protested, the referee waved the fight off with one second of the round left.[29]

Usyk made a fourth and final defense against unknown Cuban boxer Pedro Rodriguez in a scheduled 12-round fight on 12 December at the Sport Palace. Usyk won the fight scoring, his ninth straight knockout in as many fights, first dropping Rodriguez in round six with an uppercut before the fight was stopped in round seven, being knocked down again, although he beat the count. This win put Usyk at the WBO's number 1 position, with a World title fight on the cards for 2016.[30]

WBO cruiserweight champion

Usyk vs. Głowacki

In June 2016, it was announced that Usyk would challenge undefeated Polish boxer Krzysztof Głowacki (26–0, 16 KOs) for his WBO cruiserweight title on 17 September, at the Ergo Arena, Gdansk, Poland.[31][32][33] It was reported that Usyk's trainer James Ali Bashir wanted to recruit former world champion Antonio Tarver as a sparring partner. It was said that Tarver not only requested too much money, but also wanted to appear on the card as a co-featured main event.[34] Głowacki weighed 199.3 pounds, with Usyk coming in slightly lighter at 198.75 pounds.[35] The fight was shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.[36] On the night, Usyk outpointed Głowacki after an exciting 12-round fight with the judges scoring it 119–109, 117–111, and 117–111 all in Usyk's favour. The decision win also ended Usyk's knockout streak. Usyk dominated the fight with his footwork, superior hand speed and spearing jab, injuring Głowacki's eye early in the fight, causing a cut that continued to bleed for the remainder of the contest.[37][38]

Usyk vs. Mchunu

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Thabiso Mchunu

Usyk announced he would be making his American debut on the Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Smith Jr. undercard on 17 December 2016. The fight would take place at the Forum in Inglewood, California.[39] On 11 November K2 Promotions announced Usyk would be defending his WBO title against 28 year old South African boxer Thabiso Mchunu (17–2, 11 KOs). Mchunu previously lost to Ilunga Makabu via eleventh-round stoppage, although being ahead on the scorecards at the time.[40][41] The fight started out slow, causing the fans in attendance to boo with displeasure. The pace picked up after the first couple of rounds when Usyk began breaking down Mchunu with his trademark, accurate combinations. Usyk scored a knockdown in the sixth round, and a further two more in the ninth, causing referee Lou Moret to wave off the fight at 2:53 of round 9.[42] CompuBox statistics showed that Usyk landed 163 of 517 punches thrown (32%), and Mchunu landed 76 of his 278 (27%).[43]

Prior to the fight, Usyk spoke of his desire to fight other cruiserweight titlists as well as fighting Anthony Joshua at heavyweight.[44][45] The fight averaged 560,000 viewers on HBO: this was considered good numbers, considering it was Usyk's HBO debut and on the undercard.[46]

Usyk vs. Hunter

K2 Promotions announced that Usyk would be returning to regular HBO to defend his cruiserweight world title in April 2017. He was originally planned to appear on the undercard of the Golovkin-Jacobs HBO PPV in March at Madison Square Garden; however, since Román González and Carlos Cuadras were scheduled to appear in separate fights and not fight each other, Usyk was pulled from the card.[47]

On 12 February 2017, Usyk announced that he had parted ways with long time trainer James Ali Bashir and replaced him with Vasiliy Lomachenko's father and trainer, Anatoly Lomachenko.[48][49] Bob Arum announced that Usyk would be part of a triple header including Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on 8 April 2017 against Michael Hunter (12–0, 8 KOs).[50] Usyk weighed 199.4 whilst Hunter came in at 199 pounds.[51] In front of a sold-out crowd of 2,828, where there was majority Ukrainian fans in attendance, Usyk was taken the distance for the second time in his career but won a rather one-sided unanimous decision to retain his WBO title. Hunter unexpectedly controlled the first three rounds behind the jab. It wasn't until the fourth round, when Usyk took control of the bout using his left and connecting well to the body to win the majority of the remaining rounds. Pundits thought Hunter was gifted going the distance and the fight should have been stopped by referee Bill Clancy in the championship rounds. In the last minute of round 12, it appeared Hunter, while taking punches, was only standing because the ropes where holding him up. The referee halted the action and gave Hunter a standing eight count, ruling it a knockdown for Usyk. All three judges scored the fight unanimously 117–110 for Usyk. Although it took him a few rounds to get into the fight, Usyk was happy with his performance and called out other titleholders, "I'm very happy with my performance. I did what I wanted to do. He took a lot of punches. I thought maybe they would stop the fight (in the 12th round). I'd love to fight any of the titleholders, any time, any place."[52]

According to CompuBox punch stats, Usyk landed 321 of his 905 punches thrown, 36%. Hunter managed to land 24% of his punches, connecting 190 of 794.[53] The fight drew an average of 679,000 viewers on HBO and peaked at 774,000 viewers.[54][55]

World Boxing Super Series

Main article: 2017–18 World Boxing Super Series – cruiserweight division

On 1 July 2015, Usyk finally announced that he would join fellow cruiserweights Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Yuniel Dorticos, Marco Huck and Krzysztof Włodarczyk in the eight-man bracket style tournament, due to start in September 2017. He said, "I feel happy and inspired with the idea of such a tournament. I've been dreaming of putting together all the champs to see who is the strongest and becomes the undisputed king of the division." The draw was to take place on 8 July in Monte Carlo. The winner of the tournament would receive a grand money prize and the Muhammad Ali trophy.[56]

Usyk vs. Huck

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck

At the Draft Gala, Usyk, who had first pick, chose to fight former WBO champion Marco Huck (40–4–1, 27 KOs). When asked why he chose Huck, Usyk said, "Because of my fans." Huck, who was equally excited, replied that Usyk was his 'wish opponent'.[57] On 26 July it was announced that the fight would take place at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on 9 September 2017. This would mark the second time Usyk would fight in Germany as a professional, having fought there in his third professional bout in April 2014. It would also mark the first fight of the tournament.[58][59][60]

On 6 September 2017, at the final press-conference, Huck pushed Usyk in the face-off. In regards to the shove, Huck said, "I wanted to show Usyk that he is in my hometown and that he should be prepared for the battle of his life on Saturday." Usyk, who remained professional and calm, replied, "If you want to be a great champion, you have to beat the best and Huck is one of the best. I chose to enter this tournament because it is a path to achieve my dream of unifying all the belts. There's a prestigious trophy at stake too, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. We were born on the same day and I admire Ali because he is the biggest role model in boxing and I will thank God if I win a trophy with his name on it."[61] As he was leaving the building, Usyk claimed he would 'bury' Huck.[62]

On fight night, Usyk used his footwork and combination punching to cruise to a TKO win. On top of his dominant performance, Usyk taunted Huck throughout the fight. In round 8, Usyk tripped on Huck's feet and Huck lost a point on the scorecards as he threw a punch at Usyk when the latter was down. Usyk continued to land combinations with little to no response from Huck until referee Robert Byrd stopped the fight in the tenth-round. With the win, Usyk progressed to the semi-final stage of the Super Series and was to face the winner of the Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez, scheduled for 30 September.[63][64]

Unified cruiserweight champion

Usyk vs. Briedis

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis

Usyk would next fight Mairis Briedis (23–0, 18 KOs) following the latter's win over Perez via unanimous decision.[65][66][67] In November 2017, it was reported the fight would take place on 27 January 2018 in Riga, Latvia, a week before Gassiev vs. Dorticos takes place.[68] Arēna Rīga was confirmed as the location by Comosa's Chief Boxing Officer Kalle Sauerland.[69] Usyk came in at 199.5 pounds and Briedis weighed 199.1 pounds.[70] Usyk moved on to the final of the tournament after winning a close fight against Briedis via majority decision. With a high work rate, Usyk controlled most of the fight with his jab, applying pressure when needed. Briedis was credited with landing the harder punches. The opening four rounds were closely contested, with Usyk receiving a cut over his right eye from an accidental clash of heads in the third round. From round five, Usyk became busier and took control of the fight, although he was still hit with some hard shots to the head from Briedis. One judge scored the fight 114–114, whilst the remaining two judges scored the fight 115–113 in favour of Usyk, giving him the win. After the fight, Usyk stated it was the hardest fight of his career.[71][72] According to CompuBox Stats, Usyk landed 212 of 848 punches thrown (25%) and Briedis was more accurate, landing 195 of his 579 thrown (33.7%). Usyk landed 40% of his power punches.[73] Many boxers and pundits praised the fight.[74]

Undisputed cruiserweight champion

Usyk vs. Gassiev

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev

After Usyk defeated Briedis, it was announced in the post-fight press conference that the final would take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 11 May 2018.[75] However, once Murat Gassiev (26–0, 19 KOs) stopped Yuniel Dorticos, setting up the final, the secretary general of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev, stated that he would push forward in order to outbid Saudi Arabia and have the final of the tournament take place in Russia on the Day of Russian Boxing on 22 July. On 16 April, it was reported that Usyk had suffered an elbow injury during training, pushing the final to possibly June or July 2018.[76][77] On 18 June, at a press conference, Kremlev announced the final would take place on 21 July at the Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia.[78] On 29 June, the final was officially confirmed.[79] On the release date, 7,000 tickets were sold.[80] Both boxers came in at 198.45 pounds at the weigh-in.[81]

Usyk quickly took control of the fight, moving rapidly and using his "beautiful, commandeering jab", while not allowing Gassiev to use his power. Gassiev did not land a solid punch until the end of round 2. According to many reports, Usyk outclassed, outboxed, and dominated Gassiev. The result was never in question as Usyk was declared the winner by unanimous decision, with the judges’ scorecards reading 120–108, 119–109, and 119–109.[82] Usyk's dominance was reflected in the punch stats, as CompuBox recorded him landing 252 of 939 thrown punches (27%), compared to Gassiev's 91 landed of 313 thrown (29%). Usyk used his superior conditioning to finish the fight, increasing his output by landing 47 of 117 punches thrown in round 12. Usyk managed to withstand the 32 power body shots he received and continued to move around the ring.[83] Muhammad Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, presented the trophy to Usyk. After the fight, both combatants were exemplars of good sportsmanship, embracing, with Gassiev saying "I had the best opponent of my professional career ... today is Oleksandr's day". Usyk humbly added "My team made me look like I looked in the ring. This is our victory". The win made Usyk the first ever four-belt undisputed cruiserweight champion.[84][85]

When asked whom he would like to fight next, Usyk said, "At this time I have heard that Tony Bellew wants to fight the winner of the Muhammad Ali Trophy. I hope he will see me talking.... 'hey Tony Bellew, are you ready?' If he doesn't want to go down [in weight], I will go up [in weight] for him. I will eat more spaghetti for my dinner!" Also after the fight Usyk said: "Olympic [stadium], thanks. People, countrymen and those who supported. Moscow 2018. Bang! Daddy's in the building!".[86][87]

Usyk vs. Bellew

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tony Bellew

After calling out Tony Bellew (30-2-1, 20 KOs) after winning the tournament, Bellew responded via social media that he would accept the fight; however, he stated the fight would need to take place in 2018 and be for the undisputed cruiserweight championship. Bellew believed a fight at heavyweight would not be as appealing as he would not gain much with a win. Bellew also stated it would be his last fight as a professional.[88][89] By the end of July, it was said the fight would likely take place in November 2018 in London.[90] After positive meetings between Bellew's promoter Eddie Hearn and K2's Alexander Krassyuk, on 20 August, Boxing Scene reported the fight was likely to take place on 10 November 2018.[91][92] A week later, K2 Promotions confirmed the date of the fight.[93] On 5 September, the WBA ordered Usyk to start negotiating with Denis Lebedev (30–2, 22 KO), who was their 'champion in recess' and gave them until the first week of October 2018 to complete negotiations.[94] There was said to be a stumbling block for the potential Usyk vs. Bellew fight. According to Hearn, the fight was likely to be pushed back to 2019. Prior to negotiations, Bellew stated the fight must happen in 2018.[95][96]

On 7 September, Usyk signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, which meant he would fight exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in USA. The agreement meant Matchroom would co-promote Usyk alongside K2 Promotions. Usyk's next fight would be confirmed 'in the very near future', according to Hearn.[97][98] A week after signing with Matchroom, the Usyk vs. Bellew fight was announced to take place on 10 November at the Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on Sky Box Office.[99][100] Experienced British referee Terry O'Connor was named as the official.[101] Bellew weighed 199+1⁄4 pounds, just over 2 years since he last made the cruiserweight limit and Usyk weighed 198+1⁄4 pounds.[102]

On fight night, Usyk, who is usually a slow starter, eventually took full control of the bout and stopped Bellew in round 8 to retain all the cruiserweight belts. The official time of the stoppage was at 2:00 of round 8. There was very little action in round 1 as both boxers showed each other respect. It was a feeling out round. Due to the lack of action, the crowd began to boo towards the end of the first. Overall, Usyk landed just 3 jabs and Bellew landed 1 power shot. Round 2 was similar, however Bellew stepped on the gas, managed to land some clean shots along with some showboating. Bellew took control in round 3, landing two straight right hands. Usyk began using his jab more and after landing an overhand left, Bellew was left slightly shaken. By the end of round 4, Bellew was backed up against the ropes and looked to tire. Bellew aimed most of his shots to Usyk's body and by round 7, was missing a lot of shots, mostly due to Usyk's foot movement, and ended the round with a bloody nose. In round 8, whilst in a neutral corner, Usyk landed a hard left, again buzzing Bellew, forcing him to move away against the ropes. Another left hand wobbled Bellew before Usyk finished him off with another left, dropping Bellew backwards with his head landing on the bottom rope. A brave Bellew tried to get up slowly and beat the count but referee Terry O'Connor stopped the fight. Bellew's 10-fight winning streak came to an end. Judges Alejandro Cid and Steve Gray scored the first seven rounds 68–65 and 67–66 respectively in favour of Bellew and Yury Koptsev had the fight 67–67 entering round 8.[103][104]

Afterwards, Bellew paid tribute to Usyk and announced his retirement from boxing, saying; "I have been doing this for 20 years, and it is over." Usyk stated 2018 was the most difficult year of his career, but most successful. "We need to put goals in front of us and move towards them," Usyk later stated.[105][106] There was a small concern during Bellew's post-fight interview as many felt he was clearly concussed.[107] According to CompuBox stats, Usyk landed 112 of his 424 punches thrown (26%) and Bellew landed 61 of his 268 thrown (23%). Both landed 47 power shots each.[108]

Heavyweight

"I've been boxing since I was 15 years old. They kept telling me that I shouldn't be boxing. They told me that I wouldn't become an Olympic champion or a world champion and that I shouldn't have switched to the heavyweight division. But these were opinions from people who couldn't do it themselves. Personally, I keep praying and move forward. I don't worry about whether I will reach my destination."

–Usyk, on his unusual career path.[109]

After defeating Bellew, Usyk declared his intention to move up to heavyweight. Carlos Takam (36-5-1, 28 KO) was announced as his opponent, with the fight scheduled for 25 May 2019. On 7 May, it was reported that Usyk had suffered a biceps injury. The bout was rescheduled for a date in September, to be featured on DAZN.[110] On 22 August, following the Golovkin vs. Derevyanchenko press conference, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed in an interview that Carlos Takam is "out of the fight" and "will not be taking the fight".[111] Usyk also had the option to challenge the winner of the rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles as the mandatory for the WBO belt, as per WBO regulations, which allow a 'super champion' of a weight class to become an immediate mandatory challenger when moving up or down in weight.[112]

Usyk vs. Witherspoon

In September, Usyk's heavyweight debut was announced to be on 12 October 2019, at the Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois, against Tyrone Spong (14–0, 13 KOs).[113] A few days before the fight, Spong tested positive for a banned substance, clomiphene, and the fight was thrown into disarray. Promoter Eddie Hearn said there were several backup fighters being considered.[114] Spong's replacement was then announced as Chazz Witherspoon (38–3, 29 KOs).[115] Usyk won the fight as Witherspoon retired in his corner after round 7.[116]

Usyk vs. Chisora

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora

On 11 March 2020 it was announced that Usyk would fight former world title challenger Derek Chisora (32–9, 23 KOs) on 23 May 2020 at The O2 Arena in London. If successful, Usyk would be first in line to fight for the WBO heavyweight title held by Anthony Joshua.[117] As part of his preparation for his bouts, Usyk sparred occasionally with former unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.[118] The fight was pushed back to 31 October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the venue was moved to The SSE Arena.[119] In a close fight Usyk won by scores of 117–112, 115–113, 115–113.[120] In his post-fight interview, Usyk reiterated his desire to fight Joshua, saying "Anthony, how are you? I'm coming for you, Anthony."[121]

Unified heavyweight champion

Usyk vs. Joshua

Main article: Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk

Unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, for whom Usyk was the WBO mandatory challenger, had been in negotiations to fight undefeated WBC and The Ring champion Tyson Fury.[122] However, when it appeared that Fury would instead be forced to face former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in a trilogy bout due to an arbitration ruling,[123] the WBO gave Joshua's camp 48 hours to come to an agreement for the fight with Fury on 21 May 2021, or they would instead order Joshua to face Usyk. Joshua and Fury's camps could not reach an agreement, and thus on 22 May the WBO issued the instruction that Joshua would have to fight Usyk, with an agreement for the bout to be in place by 31 May.[124] Usyk reacted to these developments with a video message directed to Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, telling him, "Eddie, I want money, more money."[125]

On 20 July, an official announcement was made, confirming that the fight between Usyk and Joshua would be taking place on 25 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.[126] Although many fans and pundits doubted Usyk would have the size or power to trouble Joshua, Usyk produced an upset, outboxing the champion and rocking him several times over 12 rounds to claim a unanimous decision victory, with scores of 117–112, 116–112 and 115–113, and retained his undefeated record. Reflecting upon his performance in his post-fight interview, Usyk said, "This means a lot for me. The fight went the way I expected it to go. There were moments when Anthony pushed me hard but it was nothing special. I had no objective to knock him out because my corner pushed me not to do that. In the beginning, I tried to hit him hard, but then I stuck to my job."[127] On 22 June, it was announced that a rematch was scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 20 August with Usyk defending the WBA, WBO and IBF championship belts, and Joshua, as the challenger.[128]

Usyk vs. Joshua II

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II

On 29 September 2021, four days after Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua to become unified world heavyweight champion, it was announced by his promoter Alexander Krassyuk that a one-sided rematch clause which had been specified in the fight contract had "already been activated in principle, from the side of Joshua." Krassyuk noted that Usyk relished the prospect of squaring off against Joshua twice: "So I remember when we discussed with Oleksandr the issue of rematch, he was delighted and said 'Wow, cool, I will beat Antokha [sic] twice.'"[129] Regarding the venue of the rematch, Usyk made it known that he hoped it would take place in his native country of Ukraine, saying, "I would love to have the rematch at Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv." However, Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, stated that Ukraine was a "very unlikely" venue, as he wanted to maximise income: "I think it will be international or the UK, I would think it would be in the UK."[130]

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, a potential Usyk–Joshua rematch was thrown into doubt. In the days following the start of the invasion, Usyk posted on his social media channels to confirm that he had returned to Ukraine, and to plead with Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the invasion, with one video captioned "NO WAR".[131] On 2 March, Usyk confirmed in a video interview with American news network CNN that he had taken up arms and joined a territorial defence battalion in Ukraine. Regarding his professional boxing career, Usyk said, "I really don't know when I'm going to be stepping back in the ring. My country and my honour are more important to me than a championship belt."[132] In late March, it was reported that Usyk would be leaving Ukraine to begin preparations for the rematch with Joshua.[133][134] Usyk revealed his decision to leave his homeland and refocus his efforts on boxing was supported by Mayor of Kyiv and former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, as well as his younger brother Wladimir Klitschko, also a former heavyweight champion who had been defeated by Anthony Joshua in 2017.[135]

On 19 June 2022, it was officially announced that Usyk would be facing Joshua in a rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 20 August. The fight marked the first defense of Usyk's world heavyweight titles, whilst it was Joshua's twelfth consecutive world heavyweight title fight. The fight was also an attempt by Joshua to become a three-time world heavyweight champion.[136]

Despite Joshua's much improved performance compared to his first loss to Usyk,[137][138] the latter successfully defended his belts by a split decision with one judge, Glenn Feldman, scoring the fight 115–113 to Joshua, while the other two judges scoring it 115–113 and 116–112 in Usyk's favour. The split decision was controversial as the majority of viewers expected a unanimous decision for Usyk.[139][140] The Ring magazine called Glenn Feldman's scorecard "horrible".[138] Among those criticizing his judging were promoter Lou DiBella and boxing trainer Teddy Atlas.[139]

According to New York Times statistics, Joshua landed 37 body punches compared to 15 in their first fight.[141] Overall, however, Usyk outperformed Joshua, landing 170 of 712 punches, compared with 124 of 492 for Joshua.[141][142] According to CompuBox, Usyk established new records for punches landed by an opponent (170) and most punches landed on Joshua in a single round (39 punches in the 10th round).[142]

Usyk vs. Dubois

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois

Usyk defended his unified heavyweight titles against WBA (Regular) champion Daniel Dubois on 26 August 2023, in Wrocław, Poland.[143] While Usyk retained his titles via ninth-round stoppage, there was controversy surrounding the events of the fifth round, when Usyk dropped to the canvas following a punch from Dubois that was controversially ruled a low blow by referee Luis Pabon. Accordingly, Usyk was given a maximum of five minutes to recover, but despite declaring he was ready to continue, Pabon urged Usyk to take more time out. Usyk ultimately used three minutes and forty-five seconds before the fight resumed. Usyk forced Dubois to take a knee in the eighth round and again in the ninth round, where he was counted out.[144][145] According to CompuBox stats, Usyk had outlanded Dubois in every round of the fight, landing 88 of 359 punches thrown (24.5%) to Dubois' 47 of 290 (16.2%). Dubois failed to land double digits in any round of the fight.[146]

Debate subsequently followed regarding the fifth round low blow as many observers felt it should actually have been ruled a legal punch and thus potentially resulted in a KO victory for Dubois. In his post-fight interview, Dubois opined: "I didn't think that was a low blow. I thought that landed, and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight.” However, Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk argued "The belly button is the line. Anything low of that is a low blow." This argument was echoed by others including boxers Tony Bellew and Liam Smith. [147][148][149]

Undisputed heavyweight champion

Usyk vs. Fury

Main article: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk faced WBC champion Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[150] The fight contract signing was announced on 29 September 2023, whilst on 16 November 2023 the fight was officially scheduled for 17 February 2024.[151][152] On 2 February, it was announced the fight would not be taking place on the 17th as Fury had sustained a cut in training.[153] The fight was rescheduled to 18 May in Saudi Arabia.[154] Usyk told the BBC that he missed the birth of his child while training in Spain and that he would return to Ukraine to see his family before resuming training for the rescheduled fight.[155]

On 18 May, in a historic bout, Usyk defeated Fury via split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four belt era and the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.[156] The opening rounds of the fight were closely contested, with Usyk applying constant pressure and landing power punches, while Fury found success with his jab, fighting off the back foot. From round 4, Fury became increasingly dominant, appearing to hurt Usyk with uppercuts in round 6. However, in the later rounds Usyk began to mount a comeback, particularly in a dramatic ninth round where he was able to badly hurt Fury with a series of punches, scoring a knockdown near the end of the round as Fury fell into the ropes. Although Fury was able to recover and attempted to rally, the judges ultimately awarded Usyk the split decision victory with scores of 115–112, 113–114, and 114–113.[157][158][159] CompuBox suggested Usyk had landed 170 of 407 punches (41.8%) compared to Fury's 157 of 496 (31.7%).[160]

Usyk vs. Fury II

Main article: Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II

Usyk and Fury were expected to meet in a rematch in October 2024 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[161] On 29 May 2024 it was announced that the rematch was scheduled for 21 December 2024.[162] On 25 June 2024, Usyk announced that he was vacating the IBF Heavyweight title.[163]

Personal life

Usyk is married and has four children.[164] His wife Yekaterina has Russian citizenship.[165] They live in Kyiv, Ukraine. Usyk is an Orthodox Christian. After his fight against Anthony Joshua, he said in an interview, "The only thing I wanted to do with this fight is to give praise to my Lord Jesus Christ and to say that all comes from him."[166]

On 17 September 2024, Usyk was handcuffed and briefly detained by police at Kraków John Paul II International Airport in Poland. Following intervention by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he was released and later described the incident as a "misunderstanding."[167][168][169]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 28 April 2014, after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, Usyk declared he would never exchange his Ukrainian citizenship for Russian citizenship.[170] In 2016, responding to a question if he can still enter Crimea, he stated that he often visits his family in the peninsula; that he does not like to talk politics due to the fact that people like to take words out of context, that in Russia he has many fans and that he does not divide "our peoples because we are Slavs".[171] Afterwards, whenever pressed on the question, Usyk would often reply "Crimea belongs to God".[172] In May 2020, Usyk was listed in the Myrotvorets database for enemies of Ukraine, for "repeating the Kremlin's statements [that Russia and Ukraine are] one nation, rejecting Russian aggression and denying the independence of Ukrainian Orthodoxy from Russian control (the aggressor country) of the Russian Orthodox Church, they have sided with the traitors of Ukraine".[173]

On 26 February 2022, Usyk urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to call off Russia's invasion of Ukraine that had begun on 24 February.[174] A few days later, Usyk, fellow boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko and Bellator MMA Welterweight Champion Yaroslav Amosov travelled to Ukraine to join the country's territorial defense forces,[175][176][177] although in late March, Usyk left Ukraine to train for his rematch with Anthony Joshua.[178]

In September 2022 Usyk stated that Crimea "was, is and will be" Ukrainian and that it had been taken away forcefully from Ukraine.[179][180] In November, after Ukrainian Armed Forces recaptured Kherson, Usyk posted a message on his Instagram account: "Donetsk is Ukraine. Luhansk is Ukraine. Zaporizhzhia is Ukraine. Crimea is Ukraine. Kherson is Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to ZSU".[181]

Promotional activities

In December 2020, it was announced that he will become a partner of WePlay Esports for the upcoming WePlay Ultimate Fighting League.[needs update] Esports host James Banks has this to say about Usyk's involvement in his DashFight interview: “He is helping us to bridge that gap between esports and actual, real fighting in terms of boxing and what we can deliver. I think it opens up a different avenue of where we can bring new people from outside of esports, and also bring some people from esports to look back at boxing because it is a time-loved sport. MMA obviously is a big sport that people are talking about, but boxing has always been the classic”.[182]

In 2022, he became a co-founder and brand ambassador of the Ready to Fight,[183] an international blockchain platform whose mission is to make building a boxing career easier and more accessible by creating effective connections between athletes, managers, agents, doctors and other specialized professionals, as well as sports services, infrastructure and fans.[184]

Football career

In 2023, Usyk signed a one-year professional contract with Ukrainian Premier League team FC Polissya Zhytomyr. He was given the number 17.[185] He previously made a substitute appearance for the club in the 76th minute of a 2–1 friendly win over Veres in February 2022.[186] Usyk has stated he intends to play football after he retires from boxing.[187]

Professional boxing record

22 fights 22 wins 0 losses
By knockout 14 0
By decision 8 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
22 Win 22–0 Tyson Fury SD 12 18 May 2024 Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles;
Won WBC heavyweight title
21 Win 21–0 Daniel Dubois KO 9 (12), 1:48 26 Aug 2023 Wrocław Stadium, Wrocław, Poland Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
20 Win 20–0 Anthony Joshua SD 12 20 Aug 2022 King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Retained WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles;
Won vacant The Ring heavyweight title
19 Win 19–0 Anthony Joshua UD 12 25 Sep 2021 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England Won WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles
18 Win 18–0 Derek Chisora UD 12 31 Oct 2020 The SSE Arena, London, England Won WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Chazz Witherspoon RTD 7 (12), 3:00 12 Oct 2019 Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois, US
16 Win 16–0 Tony Bellew KO 8 (12), 2:00 10 Nov 2018 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring cruiserweight titles
15 Win 15–0 Murat Gassiev UD 12 21 Jul 2018 Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia Retained WBC and WBO cruiserweight titles;
Won WBA (Super), IBF and vacant The Ring cruiserweight titles;
World Boxing Super Series: cruiserweight final
14 Win 14–0 Mairis Briedis MD 12 27 Jan 2018 Arēna Rīga, Riga, Latvia Retained WBO cruiserweight title;
Won WBC cruiserweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: cruiserweight semi-final
13 Win 13–0 Marco Huck TKO 10 (12), 2:12 9 Sep 2017 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany Retained WBO cruiserweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: cruiserweight quarter-final
12 Win 12–0 Michael Hunter UD 12 8 Apr 2017 MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, US Retained WBO cruiserweight title
11 Win 11–0 Thabiso Mchunu TKO 9 (12), 1:53 17 Dec 2016 The Forum, Inglewood, California, US Retained WBO cruiserweight title
10 Win 10–0 Krzysztof Głowacki UD 12 17 Sep 2016 Ergo Arena, Gdańsk, Poland Won WBO cruiserweight title
9 Win 9–0 Pedro Rodriguez TKO 7 (12), 1:57 12 Dec 2015 Palace of Sports, Kyiv, Ukraine Retained WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
8 Win 8–0 Johnny Muller TKO 3 (12), 2:59 29 Aug 2015 Palace of Sports, Kyiv, Ukraine Retained WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
7 Win 7–0 Andrey Knyazev TKO 8 (10), 2:24 18 Apr 2015 Palace of Sports, Kyiv, Ukraine Retained WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
6 Win 6–0 Danie Venter TKO 9 (10), 2:29 13 Dec 2014 Palace of Sports, Kyiv, Ukraine Retained WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
5 Win 5–0 Daniel Bruwer TKO 7 (10), 2:55 4 Oct 2014 Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine Won vacant WBO interim Inter-Continental cruiserweight title
4 Win 4–0 Cesar David Crenz KO 4 (8), 2:19 31 May 2014 Sports Palace, Odesa, Ukraine
3 Win 3–0 Ben Nsafoah KO 3 (8), 1:43 26 Apr 2014 König Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany
2 Win 2–0 Epifanio Mendoza TKO 4 (6), 2:10 7 Dec 2013 Ice Arena TEC Terminal, Brovary, Ukraine
1 Win 1–0 Felipe Romero TKO 5 (6), 1:36 9 Nov 2013 Palace of Sports, Kyiv, Ukraine

Viewership

Pay-per-view bouts

No. Date Fight Country Network Buys Source(s)
1 10 November 2018 Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tony Bellew
United Kingdom
 Sky Box Office
819,000
 [188]
2 31 October 2020 Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora
United Kingdom
 Sky Box Office
1,059,000
 [189][190][191]
Ukraine
 MEGOGO
100,000
 [192]
3 25 September 2021 Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk
United Kingdom
 Sky Box Office
1,232,000
 [193][194]
4 22 August 2022 Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II
United Kingdom
 Sky Box Office
1,249,000
 [195]
5 26 August 2023 Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois
United Kingdom
 TNT Sports Box Office
6 18 May 2024 Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Worldwide
 multiple[ppv 1]
1,500,000
 [200]
Total sales 5,959,000
  1. ^ DAZN PPV, PPV.com, ESPN+ PPV, Sky Box Office, TNT Sports Box Office[196][197][198][199]

International

Date Fight Country Network Viewers Source
20 August 2022 Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua II Ukraine MEGOGO 1,500,000 [201]
Total viewership 1,500,000

Filmography

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Film
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2016 The Fight Rules Professional Boxer
2018 The Stolen Princess Troyeschyna gangsters [202]
2025 The Smashing Machine † Igor Vovchanchyn [203]
Video games
Year Title Role Ref.
2024 Undisputed Himself [204]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version), World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles.

References

  1. ^ a b Sajad, Kal (15 May 2024). "Inside Usyk's heavyweight transformation & biggest weakness". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024.
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ Sajad, Kal (19 May 2024). "Usyk beats Fury to become undisputed champion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  4. ^ D'Writer, Vince (18 May 2024). "Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury And Becomes A Two-Weight Undisputed Champion". www.boxingnews24.com. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Fighter of the Year". Sports Illustrated. 12 December 2018. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ "ALEKSANDR USYK NAMED RING MAGAZINE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR 2018, ALL CATEGORY WINNERS REVEALED". The Ring. 28 December 2018. Archived from the original on 29 December 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Александр Усик – украинский казак, завоевавший Лондон". tochka.net (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Катерина Усик — жінка, без якої Олександр Усик не може ні дихати, ні перемагати". Focus (Ukrainian magazine) (in Ukrainian). 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021. Until 1999, (Usyk) lived in his mother's homeland, in the village of Rybotyn in the Chernihiv region
  10. ^ a b "Бой в Риботини, или Как журналистка смотрела боксерский поединок Усик - Гассиев с мамой и друзьями нашего боксера". topnews.cn.ua (in Ukrainian). 30 July 2018. Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  11. ^ "Александр Усик – украинский казак, завоевавший Лондон". ua.tribuna.com (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  12. ^ Александр Усик про предстоящий бой, поражение Ломаченко, провокации и политику. Ходят слухи #106 Archived 27 October 2021 at the Wayback Machine, 4 February 2021.
  13. ^ "«Если не ошибаюсь, было два нокдауна». Коробов рассказал, как победил Усика на ЧЕ-2006". Sports.ru. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  14. ^ "Medallists by weight category" (PDF). AIBA. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 16 November 2008.
  15. ^ Dielhenn, James. "Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk lost Olympic fights to Clemente Russo who 'didn't hit hard'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Усик отказался сдавать бой за €300 тыс". Gazeta.ua (in Russian). 13 December 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Gold gives Ukrainian heavyweight a reason to dance". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 12 August 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  18. ^ "New Faces: Oleksandr Usyk". The Ring. October 2014. Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
  19. ^ Fischer, Doug (1 October 2014). "New Faces: Oleksandr Usyk". The Ring. Archived from the original on 10 August 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  20. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk". BoxRec. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  21. ^ Ivan Ivanov (25 September 2013). "Oleksandr Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist, will make a pro debut on Nov.9". Eastside Boxing. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  22. ^ "Усик нокаутировал Ромеро, а Узелков - Кодрингтона". news.sportbox.ru (in Russian). 10 November 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Як Усик побив Мендозу". espreso.tv (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Usyk vs. Nsafoah in Germany". Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  25. ^ "Бій Усик — Князєв подивилися 3,6 млн телеглядачів". LB.ua (in Ukrainian). 20 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  26. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk stops Daniel Bruwer in 7th round - Boxing News". 4 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  27. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk vs. Danie Venter on December 13th in Kiev, Ukraine - Boxing News". 4 December 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2016.
  28. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk defeats Andrey Knyazev » Boxing News". Boxing News 24. 18 April 2015. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  29. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk stops Johnny Muller - Boxing News". 29 August 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  30. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk destroys Pedro Rodriguez - Boxing News". 13 December 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  31. ^ "Krzysztof Głowacki vs. Oleksandr Usyk on September 17 - Boxing News". 22 June 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  32. ^ "Glowacki ordered to make defense against Usyk". 23 April 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  33. ^ "Glowacki and Usyk reach agreement, avoid bid". 10 June 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  34. ^ "Tarver Wanted Big Money, Co-Feature Billing For Usyk Sparring". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  35. ^ "Glowacki, Usyk Make Weight Ahead of Cruiserweight Title Tilt". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  36. ^ "Krzysztof Glowacki to defend WBO title against Oleksandr Usyk live on Sky Sports". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 1 October 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  37. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk adds world title to Olympic gold by outpointing Krzysztof Glowacki". Sky Sports. 18 September 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  38. ^ "Usyk dominates, dethrones Głowacki in Poland". Bad Left Hook. 17 September 2016. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  39. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk To Make His American Debut in December? - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. November 2016. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  40. ^ "Usyk-Mchunu added to B-Hop-Smith card | Boxing News". Boxing News. 9 November 2016. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  41. ^ "Usyk to make cruiserweight defense vs. Mchunu". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  42. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk Drops Mchunu Three Times For KO in Nine". Boxing Scene. 17 December 2016. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Usyk dominates, stops Mchunu". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  44. ^ "OLEKSANDR USYK STOPS THABISO MCHUNU IN NINE ROUNDS". The Ring. 17 December 2016. Archived from the original on 19 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  45. ^ "OLEKSANDR USYK WANTS TO FACE ANTHONY JOSHUA ONE DAY". The Ring. 13 December 2016. Archived from the original on 16 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  46. ^ "Hopkins-Smith peaks at over 1M viewers". Bad Left Hook. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  47. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk Return is Targeted For April Date, on HBO - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 2 February 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  48. ^ "Usyk Fires Bashir, Hires Lomachenko's Father as Trainer - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 12 February 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  49. ^ "Cruiserweight champion Usyk hires new trainer". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  50. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk to face Michael Hunter April 8 on HBO tripleheader - The Ring". The Ring. 23 February 2017. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  51. ^ "Lomachenko, Sosa, Usyk, Hunter, Gonzalez, Gvozdyk make weight". WBN - World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  52. ^ "Aleksandr Usyk Decisions a Very Game Michael Hunter - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 8 April 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  53. ^ "Usyk retains belt with decision victory over Hunter". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2017. Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  54. ^ "Lomachenko-Sosa Peaked at 886K Viewers on HBO; Averaged 832K - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 11 April 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  55. ^ "Lomachenko on HBO draws 832,000 viewers : MMAPayout.com: The Business of MMA". mmapayout.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  56. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk joins World Boxing Super Series". The Ring. 1 July 2017. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  57. ^ "Usyk-Huck Among the Cruiserweight Fights Determined for WBSS - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 8 July 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  58. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck on September 9 in Berlin - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 26 July 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  59. ^ "Usyk-Huck opens WBSS cruiserweight tourney". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  60. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk-Marco Huck set for September 9 - The Ring". The Ring. 26 July 2017. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  61. ^ "Marco Huck Pushes Usyk At Final Press Conference In Berlin". Ringsidefightingnews. 6 September 2017. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  62. ^ "Usyk Vows To "Bury" Huck After Being Shoved at Press Conference - Boxing News". Boxingscene.com. 6 September 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  63. ^ "Usyk vs Huck results: Oleksandr Usyk stops Marco Huck to kick off World Boxing Super Series". Bad Left Hook. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  64. ^ "Usyk Stops Huck in Tenth, Advances in WBSS Tournament - Boxing News". www.boxingscene.com. 9 September 2017. Archived from the original on 21 February 2021. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  65. ^ "Briedis outpoints Perez for spot in WBSS semis". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  66. ^ "Usyk vs Briedis fight may happen on January 20". ringside24.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  67. ^ "Briedis: I would like to fight Usyk in Riga". ringside24.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  68. ^ "Gassiev-Dorticos & Usyk-Briedis WBSS semifinal dates » Boxing News". Boxing News 24. 26 November 2017. Archived from the original on 30 November 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
  69. ^ Briedis, Usyk v. "Usyk v Briedis unification / WBSS semi-final set for Riga on Jan 27". WBN - World Boxing News. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  70. ^ "Photos: Usyk, Briedis Ready For WBSS Unification Showdown". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
  71. ^ "Usyk Decisions Briedis in Tough Fight To Unify WBC, WBO Titles". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  72. ^ "World Boxing Super Series: Oleksandr Usyk beats Mairis Briedis on points in semi-final". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  73. ^ "Usyk vs. Briedis - CompuBox Punch Stats". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  74. ^ "People Were Very Impressed With Usyk vs Briedis World Title Fight". Boxing News and Views. 28 January 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  75. ^ "Usyk faces Gassiev-Dorticos winner on May 11th in Saudi Arabia » Boxing News". Boxing News 24. 27 January 2018. Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  76. ^ "Usyk Injured, WBSS Final With Murat Gassiev Postponed". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  77. ^ "Usyk-Gassiev WBSS title fight postponed". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  78. ^ "Usyk vs. Gassiev To Land in Moscow on July 21, Says RBF Exec". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  79. ^ "Usyk vs. Gassiev Officially Announced For July 21, Moscow". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  80. ^ "Usyk vs. Gassiev a Hot Ticket in Moscow, 7,000 Sold in First Day". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  81. ^ "Photos: Usyk, Gassiev - Ready For War in WBSS Unification Final". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  82. ^ "Usyk Dominates Gassiev To Unify WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF Titles". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  83. ^ "Usyk vs. Gassiev - CompuBox Punch Stats". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  84. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk outclasses Murat Gassiev, wins World Boxing Super Series". Bad Left Hook. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  85. ^ "Usyk routs Gassiev to become undisputed champ". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  86. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk calls out Tony Bellew after beating Murat Gassiev". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  87. ^ "Usyk: If Bellew Won't Come Down - I'll Face Him at Heavyweight". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  88. ^ "Hearn: Bellew vs. Usyk in Very Early Talks, We Want The Fight". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  89. ^ "Bellew vs Usyk: Tony Bellew says he will have to retire after fighting Oleksandr Usyk". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  90. ^ "Tony Bellew eyes November date for Oleksandr Usyk showdown - Boxing News". Boxing News. 3 August 2018. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  91. ^ "Eddie Hearn hopeful Tony Bellew-Oleksandr Usyk fight will be made after positive meeting in Paris". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  92. ^ "Usyk vs. Bellew In Play For November 10 in London". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  93. ^ "Usyk's Promoter: Bellew Fight on Track For November 10". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  94. ^ "WBA orders Oleksandr Usyk to face Denis Lebedev". Bad Left Hook. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  95. ^ "Tony Bellew's fight with Oleksandr Usyk 'unlikely for 2018', says Eddie Hearn". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  96. ^ "Usyk vs. Bellew Now Rests on WBA's Order For Lebedev Fight". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  97. ^ "Usyk Signs With Matchroom; Eventually Wants To Fight Joshua". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  98. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk to fight on Sky Sports after signing with Matchroom Boxing". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  99. ^ "Usyk vs Bellew: Tony Bellew to face undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk in Manchester". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  100. ^ "Usyk vs. Bellew Finalized - November 10 in Manchester Arena". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  101. ^ "Usyk vs Bellew: Terry O'Connor to referee world cruiserweight title fight". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  102. ^ "Bellew Weighs Slightly More Than Usyk For Cruiserweight Return". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  103. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk Blasts Tony Bellew For Knockout Win in Eight". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  104. ^ "Usyk vs Bellew: Tony Bellew falls short in attempt to dethrone cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  105. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk beats Tony Bellew to remain undisputed world cruiserweight champion". BBC Sport. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  106. ^ "Usyk vs Bellew: Tony Bellew labels victorious Oleksandr Usyk 'the greatest man I have ever shared a ring with'". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  107. ^ "Tony Bellew: Costello and Bunce debate if he should have been interviewed after Usyk defeat". BBC Sport. 12 November 2018. Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  108. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tony Bellew - CompuBox Punch Stats". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  109. ^ "Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk reach 'agreement' for undisputed heavyweight clash, WBA confirms". Sky Sports. United Kingdom. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023.
  110. ^ "Aleksandr Usyk sustains bicep injury, Carlos Takam fight postponed". The Ring. 7 May 2019. Archived from the original on 8 May 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  111. ^ EDDIE HEARN RESPONDS TO ANDY RUIZ & ARUM SAUDI ARABIA "RUBBISH"; INSISTS JOSHUA REMATCH A GO THERE, 22 August 2019, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 25 August 2019
  112. ^ "WBO explain why Usyk is made mandatory for Ruiz vs Joshua rematch winner, not Whyte". talkSPORT. 24 June 2019. Archived from the original on 22 May 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
  113. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk set for heavyweight debut against former kickboxing star Tyrone Spong". CBSSports.com. 3 September 2019. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
  114. ^ "Tyrone Spong: Oleksandr Usyk bout in doubt after adverse doping test". 8 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  115. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk to face 38-year-old Chazz Witherspoon". 8 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  116. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk stops Chazz Witherspoon for easy victory in heavyweight debut". CBSSports.com. 13 October 2019. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  117. ^ "Dereck Chisora to fight Oleksandr Usyk on 23 May in London". BBC Sport. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  118. ^ ""I'm going to fight & smash Eddie Hearn!" – Usyk reacts to Eddie Hearn wanting to make Joshua v Fury". Behind The Gloves. YouTube. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  119. ^ "Chisora vs Usyk now targeted for October, says David Haye". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  120. ^ "Usyk outboxes Chisora for decision victory, targets AJ and Fury's belts". talkSPORT. 1 November 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  121. ^ "Anthony, I'm coming for you" - Usyk warns Joshua after defeating Chisora, November 2020, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 13 June 2021
  122. ^ "Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed terms for a two-fight deal, says promoter Eddie Hearn". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  123. ^ "Wilder won't step aside for Fury - Arum". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 21 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  124. ^ "Joshua ordered to face challenger Usyk". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  125. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk wants more money for Anthony Joshua fight". Boxing News 24. 19 May 2021. Archived from the original on 23 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  126. ^ "Joshua meets Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sep 25". Matchroom Boxing. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  127. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk beats Anthony Joshua to take heavyweight titles". Sky News. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  128. ^ "Usyk, Joshua share intense faceoff, ready for rematch". BY STEVE DOUGLAS. AP SPORTS. 22 June 2022. [1]
  129. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk's team announce Anthony Joshua has 'activated' rematch clause". Sky Sports. Retrieved 19 June 2022.[permanent dead link]
  130. ^ The Athletic Staff. "Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch: Usyk wants it held in Ukraine". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  131. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk returns to Ukraine amid Russia invasion and posts 'NO WAR' message". talkSPORT. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 8 August 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  132. ^ Exclusive: By Don Riddell (2 March 2022). "'My soul belongs to the Lord and my body and my honor to my country,' says heavyweight champion after joining Ukrainian defense battalion". CNN. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  133. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk leaving Ukraine to train for Anthony Joshua rematch". The Independent. 25 March 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  134. ^ "Usyk leaves Ukraine, preparing for rematch with Joshua". AP NEWS. 29 March 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  135. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk gives first interview since leaving Ukraine to train for Anthony Joshua". talkSPORT. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  136. ^ "CONFIRMED: Usyk vs AJ 2 is on, date and location announced". talkSPORT. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  137. ^ "Usyk vs AJ: Official scorecard shows Anthony Joshua was winning fight against Oleksandr Usyk after nine rounds". Sky Sports. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 4 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  138. ^ a b Dixon, Tris (20 August 2022). "Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Anthony Joshua Again Following Excellent Fight". The Ring. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  139. ^ a b Temple, Cameron (23 August 2022). "Judge Glenn Feldman confronted for controversial scorecard where he had Anthony Joshua ahead of Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight rematch". talkSPORT. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  140. ^ Foster, Elliot (23 August 2022). "Official Usyk-Joshua Scorecards Reveal Just How Shocking The Scoring Was". Boxing Social. Archived from the original on 27 August 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  141. ^ a b Campbell, Morgan (21 August 2022). "Usyk's Heavyweight Win Sets Up Fury Showdown or More Boxing Messiness". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  142. ^ a b "Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua Rematch: CompuBox Punch Stats". Boxing Scene. 21 August 2022. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  143. ^ Mike Coppinger (6 July 2023). "Oleksandr Usyk to defend world titles against Daniel Dubois". ESPN. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  144. ^ "Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Results tonight after controversial low blow". The Independent. 26 August 2023. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  145. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk knocks out Daniel Dubois after 'low blow' controversy | DAZN News GB". DAZN. 26 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  146. ^ August 2023, Kerr Ferguson on 27th (27 August 2023). "Scorecards And Punch Stats From Usyk-Dubois Show Complete Control". boxing-social.com. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  147. ^ "'I was cheated' - Dubois rages after defeat by Usyk". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  148. ^ "Should 'distraught' Dubois be world champion?". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  149. ^ August 2023, Kerr Ferguson on 27th (27 August 2023). ""It Was Low!" Fighters React To Usyk-Daniel Dubois Low Blow Controversy". boxing-social.com. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  150. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (30 September 2023). "Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for undisputed title signed". FIGHTMAG. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  151. ^ "Sources: Fury, Usyk sign deal for winter clash". ESPN.com. 29 September 2023. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  152. ^ "Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk clash heads at fiery undisputed title fight confirmation press conference". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  153. ^ "Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight title fight off after Briton sustains cut". BBC Sport. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  154. ^ "Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: Undisputed heavyweight fight rescheduled for 18 May in Saudi Arabia". BBC Sport. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  155. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury: Ukrainian missed child's birth before Briton withdrew". BBC News. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  156. ^ Griffiths, Robbie (19 May 2024). "Usyk beats Fury to become first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years". Sports. NPR. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  157. ^ "Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight results, highlights: Ukrainian wins to become undisputed heavyweight champ". CBSSports.com. 19 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  158. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (19 May 2024). "Tyson Fury defeated by Oleksandr Usyk: 'People are siding with the country at war'". FIGHTMAG.
  159. ^ Graham, Bryan Armen (19 May 2024). "Fury v Usyk: How world title fight unfolded and was scored". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  160. ^ CompuBox (18 May 2024). "CompuBox Stats: Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  161. ^ Hiergesell, Dan (19 May 2024). "Usyk Vs. Fury 2 Targeted For Oct. 12". MMAmania.com.
  162. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (30 May 2024). "Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch date confirmed for December". FIGHTMAG.
  163. ^ "Anthony Joshua expected to fight Daniel Dubois for world title as Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF belt". skysports.com.
  164. ^ (in Ukrainian) Oleksandr's wife Katerina gave birth to a son Archived 29 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn (8 February 2013)
  165. ^ "Where is Oleksandr Usyk from? Birthplace, home country for heavyweight champion". www.sportingnews.com. 16 June 2022. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  166. ^ "Boxer Oleksander Usyk praises God after beating Anthony Joshua to become world champion - Premier Christian News | Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis". premierchristian.news. Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  167. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk handcuffed in Poland, freed with Volodymyr Zelenskyy assistance". Boxing Scene. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  168. ^ "Usyk released after airport detention - Zelensky". BBC Sport. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  169. ^ "Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk released after being detained in Poland at Krakow airport". Sky News. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  170. ^ (in Ukrainian) Usyk: "I am Ukrainian, and Crimea is Ukrainian" Archived 29 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Ukrayinska Pravda Champion (28 April 2014)
  171. ^ Усик: "Я не разделяю народы Украины и России, ибо мы славяне". Xsport.ua (in Russian). 1 April 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  172. ^ "Встреча с инопланетянами, религия, Крым, Зеленский и карьера в Голливуде. Интервью Гордона с Усиком. Трансляция". gordonua.com. 19 April 2020. Archived from the original on 20 June 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  173. ^ "Two Ukrainian boxers land up on Ukraine's Myrotvorets 'black list'". Ukrainian Independent Information Agency. 7 May 2020. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  174. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk urges Vladimir Putin to 'stop and negotiate' as Russia invades Ukraine". The Independent. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  175. ^ "Los campeones Usyk y Lomachenko toman las armas por Ucrania". Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  176. ^ "Ukraine invasion: Ukrainian athletes fighting Russians include Vasiliy Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk and the Klitschko brothers". Sky Sports. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  177. ^ Segura, Danny. "Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov staying in Ukraine to help defend country". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  178. ^ "Usyk leaves Ukraine to prepare for Joshua". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  179. ^ "Усик: Крим - це Україна, його просто нахабно віджали". korrespondent.net (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  180. ^ "Усик: Чий Крим? Наш він, український, був, є і буде. Його взяли нахабно: просто прийшли люди – забрали, віджали". gordonua.com (in Ukrainian). 26 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  181. ^ "Александр УСИК: "Херсон – это Украина. Крым – это Украина. Слава ВСУ"". sport.ua (in Russian). Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  182. ^ "Interview With James Banks About WUFL Season 1 | DashFight". dashfight.com. 24 March 2021. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  183. ^ "website READY TO FIGHT". Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  184. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk and QMALL announced the launch of an international platform to support boxers". Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  185. ^ "Usyk signs contract with Ukrainian football club". ESPN.com. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  186. ^ Ridley, Nathan (4 February 2022). "Oleksandr Usyk makes professional football debut ahead of Anthony Joshua rematch". The Mirror. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  187. ^ "Oleksandr Usyk says he will retire from boxing and switch sports if he beats Tyson Fury". MARCA. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  188. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 5 November 2018 and 11 November 2018)". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  189. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 19 and 25 October 2020, C7 TV Set (As Broadcast))". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
  190. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 26 October and 1 November 2020, C7 TV Set (As Broadcast))". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
  191. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 2 and 8 November 2020, C7 TV Set (As Broadcast))". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2020.
  192. ^ "Бой Усик – Чисора собрал 100 тысяч платных подписок на MEGOGO (Александр Денисов)". ua.tribuna.com (in Russian). Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  193. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 11 and 17 October 2021, C7 TV Set (As Broadcast))". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  194. ^ "Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 20 September and 26 September 2021, C7 TV Set (As Broadcast))". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  195. ^ "Usyk vs Joshua 2 PPV numbers revealed, Fury price rise expected". World Boxing News. 16 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  196. ^ "How to Watch Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk". rollingstone.com. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  197. ^ "Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk start time: Live stream, PPV price, undercard, how to watch, TV channel". cbssports.com. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  198. ^ "Fury vs Usyk: Fight date, UK time, location, undercard, ring walk, odds and how to watch with Sky Sports". skysports.com. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  199. ^ "How to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk: PPV info, live stream, TV channel and talkSPORT coverage for undisputed title clash". talksport.com. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  200. ^ "How Fury-Usyk Saudi Arabia fight set up a future for boxing". ESPN.co.uk. 6 June 2024.
  201. ^ "Бій Усик-Джошуа на Megogo дивилися 1,5 мільйони унікальних глядачів" (in Ukrainian). 24 August 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  202. ^ "The creators of the Ukrainian animated feature film "The Stolen Princess" announced star dubbing actors". Animagrad. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  203. ^ Jay, Phil (23 May 2024). "Oleksandr Usyk cast as MMA fighter in Dwayne Johnson movie". World Boxing News.
  204. ^ Richardson, Tom; Wolstenholme, Luke (19 May 2024). "Fury v Usyk: Can Undisputed bring boxing back to video games?". BBC.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Oleksandr Usyk.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
New title WBO Inter-Continental
cruiserweight champion
Interim title
4 October – December 2014
Promoted 		Vacant
Vacant
Title last held by
Krzysztof Głowacki 		WBO Inter-Continental
cruiserweight champion
December 2014 – 17 September 2016
Won world title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Imre Szellő
Preceded by WBO Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
31 October 2020 – April 2021
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Joseph Parker
Minor world boxing titles
Preceded by IBO heavyweight champion
25 September 2021 – present 		Incumbent
Major World boxing titles
Preceded by
Krzysztof Głowacki
 WBO cruiserweight champion
17 September 2016 – 5 June 2019
Vacated 		Succeeded by
Krzysztof Głowacki
Preceded by WBC cruiserweight champion
27 January 2018 – 4 June 2019
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ilunga Makabu
Preceded by WBA cruiserweight champion
Super title
21 July 2018 – 27 March 2019
Vacated 		Succeeded by
Denis Lebedev
Preceded by
Murat Gassiev
 IBF cruiserweight champion
21 July 2018 – 15 June 2019
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Yuniel Dorticos
Vacant
Title last held by
Yoan Pablo Hernández 		The Ring cruiserweight champion
21 July 2018 – 16 October 2019
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Mairis Briedis
Vacant
Title last held by
O'Neil Bell 		Undisputed cruiserweight champion
21 July 2018 – 27 March 2019
Titles fragmented 		Vacant
Preceded by
Anthony Joshua
 WBA heavyweight champion
Super title
25 September 2021 – present 		Incumbent
IBF heavyweight champion
25 September 2021 – 25 June 2024
Vacated 		Succeeded by
WBO heavyweight champion
25 September 2021 – present 		Incumbent
Vacant
Title last held by
Tyson Fury 		The Ring heavyweight champion
20 August 2022 – present
Preceded by
Tyson Fury
 WBC heavyweight champion
18 May 2024 – present
Vacant
Title last held by
Lennox Lewis 		Undisputed heavyweight champion
18 May 2024 – 25 June 2024
Titles fragmented 		Vacant
Awards
Previous:
Vasiliy Lomachenko 		The Ring Fighter of the Year
2018 		Next:
Canelo Álvarez
BWAA Fighter of the Year
2018
Achievements
Preceded by
Canelo Álvarez
 The Ring pound for pound #1 boxer
7 May – 11 June 2022 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Naoya Inoue
 The Ring pound for pound #1 boxer
20 August 2022 – 29 July 2023 		Succeeded by
The Ring pound for pound #1 boxer
18 May 2024 – present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oleksandr_Usyk&oldid=1254517242"