USYK VS. THE GREATS
canvas was deemed a low blow, but many observers thought it was a legal body punch. Usyk took the allotted five minutes to recover and got back to work. He stopped Dubois in Round 9. For a while, Usyk and Fury had circled each other. It took the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, to broker a deal with both camps, but the initial February 17 showdown was postponed to May 18 after Fury was cut in sparring. The laser-focused Usyk did well in
Usyk was contractually bound to a rematch with Joshua. However, their meeting was cast into doubt when Russia invaded Ukraine. Usyk joined a defense battalion to help his country. “I really don’t know when I’m going to be stepping back in the ring,” he said at the time. “My country and my honor are more important to me than a championship belt.” After doing his part, he headed into training camp and met Joshua again, this time with the vacant Ring Magazine
you feel?” in interviews, he responded with, “I am feel. I am very feel.” Thus a nickname was born: The Feel. In a boss move, amid growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Usyk expertly dismantled Gassiev to a near-shutout decision on the scorecards, completing his collection of the four major sanctioning body belts and securing the vacant Ring Magazine title to become undisputed champion. Appropriately, he also took home the WBSS’ award – the Muhammad Ali Trophy.
the first three rounds before a clowning Fury got more serious and settled into a rhythm. With the fight going in the Englishman’s direction, Usyk again found that clutch moment to fire back in Round 8 before badly hurting Fury in Round 9. Usyk boxed intelligently in Round 10 and then held off Fury’s late charge to win by split decision. The former undisputed cruiserweight champion was now the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. “Watching how his career has progressed since me, it’s unbelievable,” said Bellew. “You’re talking about a guy who has gone up to the
In one final act before leaving the 200-pound division, Usyk packed his bag once again and traveled to England to face former WBC cruiserweight titleholder Tony Bellew. “The best way to explain Oleksandr Usyk is ‘the ultimate fighter’ – he can do a bit of everything,” said Bellew, who was stopped in eight rounds. “He’s skillful. He’s classy. His footwork is the best I ever came across. He’s the elite professional. He’s the perfect boxer. “When it comes to boxing ability, there’s no one better of all the opponents I have faced. He was the guy who figured
“The best way to explain Oleksandr Usyk is ‘the ultimate fighter’ – he can do a bit of everything.” - Tony Bellew
heavyweight division and faced a 6-foot- 9, 20-stone (280-pound) monster. If I was 6-foot-9 and 20 stone, I’d invade Russia, nevermind box! And he beat him! And he didn’t beat Fury by running away from him and outboxing him, which I thought he would do. He beat him by pressing him back all night and bullying him. I never, ever thought that was possible for him in that weight division. He proved not just me but the whole world wrong.” Usyk is regarded as a future first- ballot Hall of Famer, blessed with charisma, outstanding hand speed, sublime footwork and, when he needs to, he has been able to dig deep within himself and find something special. Montreal-based trainer/cutman Russ Anber, who has worked with Usyk
championship on the line after Tyson Fury had “retired.” One of the first big fights in Saudi Arabia saw a much-improved Joshua. Usyk was hurt by a body shot in Round 9, and with the fight very much in the balance, we saw a clutch moment: Usyk stepped up his game in Round 10, and won the championship rounds on all three judges’ scorecards to secure a split decision. While it was still not possible for Usyk to fight at home, he was able to defend his titles in nearby Poland in front of 40,000 fans against Daniel Dubois. Usyk dominated the action and was having his way with the British challenger until the fight was tinged with controversy in the fifth round. A borderline shot that put Usyk on the
me out. He was the guy that ended up setting traps that I fell for. Never in my career did I ever fight anyone who could set me traps and I’d fall for them.” Usyk’s initial foray at heavyweight was blighted by injury, opponents falling out and the COVID-19 pandemic. In two years, he fought just twice in so-so performances against Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora, leading some to question if he could succeed against the big boys. He laid any doubts to rest in September 2021, when he met IBF/WBA/ WBO titlist Anthony Joshua in London. Usyk’s superlative skills got him off to a good start, and he held off the larger Joshua in the mid-rounds before closing strongly, winning the last four rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.
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