Oleksandr Usyk: Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk: Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk (Ukrainian: Олександр Усик; born 17 January 1987) is a Ukrainian professional boxer. He is the current unified world heavyweight champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles since defeating Anthony Joshua in September 2021. He previously held the undisputed cruiserweight championship, becoming the first boxer to hold all four major world titles in the division.
Usyk is a southpaw with a highly technical style, known for his footwork, hand speed, and ring generalship. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having won the heavyweight title at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the cruiserweight title at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Early life and amateur career
Usyk was born in Simferopol, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, on 17 January 1987. He began boxing at the age of 15, and quickly rose through the amateur ranks. He won the Ukrainian national championship in 2006, 2007, and 2008. He also won the European Amateur Boxing Championships in 2008 and 2010.
Professional career
Usyk turned professional in 2013, and quickly won the WBO cruiserweight title in 2016. He then unified the cruiserweight division by winning the WBC, IBF, and WBA titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively.
In 2019, Usyk moved up to heavyweight and challenged Anthony Joshua for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. Usyk won a unanimous decision to become the unified heavyweight champion.
Personal life
Usyk is married to Kateryna Usyk, and they have three children. He is a devout Christian and is a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Usyk is a patriot of Ukraine and has spoken out against the Russian invasion of his country. He has also volunteered to help the Ukrainian military.
Other interests
Usyk is a fan of football and supports the Ukrainian national team. He is also a fan of music and plays the guitar.
Usyk is a popular figure in Ukraine and is considered a national hero. He is an inspiration to many people, and his story is one of hard work, dedication, and triumph.
Legacy
Usyk is considered to be one of the greatest boxers of his generation. He is the first boxer to win the undisputed cruiserweight championship and the unified heavyweight championship. He is also the first boxer to win Olympic gold medals in two different weight classes.
Usyk is a national hero in Ukraine, and his success in the ring has helped to boost morale during the ongoing war with Russia. He is a true champion, both inside and outside of the ring.
Here are some of Oleksandr Usyk's most notable boxing matches:
- Usyk vs. Glowacki I (2016): Usyk defeated Glowacki by unanimous decision to win the WBO cruiserweight title.
- Usyk vs. Gassiev (2018): Usyk defeated Gassiev by unanimous decision to win the WBC, IBF, and WBA cruiserweight titles, and the Muhammad Ali Trophy.
- Usyk vs. Bellew (2018): Usyk defeated Bellew by eighth-round technical knockout to defend his cruiserweight titles.
- Usyk vs. Joshua (2021): Usyk defeated Joshua by unanimous decision to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
