Despite having achieved immense success in the sport, becoming a three-time undisputed champion remains a significant goal for Oleksandr Usyk.
Having previously unified the cruiserweight division, the masterful boxer replicated this feat in the heavyweight class by defeating Tyson Fury via split decision last year. Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) secured the undisputed heavyweight title, though the future of his illustrious career subsequently became a subject of discussion.
Even with his numerous accolades as both an amateur and professional, the 38-year-old is still eager to further enhance his already decorated legacy.
In an effort to regain his IBF belt, which he relinquished shortly after initially defeating Fury, Usyk is set to face Daniel Dubois once more at Wembley Stadium in London on July 19th.
The two fighters previously met in 2023, where the Ukrainian fighter`s superior footwork and strategic approach led to a comprehensive ninth-round stoppage victory, allowing him to retain his titles.
However, Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) reportedly still believes that the punch he landed in the fifth round of their last encounter, which was ruled a low blow by the referee, was in fact a legal shot to the body.
Regardless of the past controversy, Usyk is determined to remove any doubt about his dominance in the current era. Achieving second victories over Dubois, Fury, and Anthony Joshua would undeniably cement his status as the greatest heavyweight of his generation.
When asked about his remarkable longevity in the sport, `The Cat` offered a simple explanation while also displaying his characteristic light-hearted sense of humour.
“I live a healthy lifestyle – I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t go clubbing,” Usyk stated. He added concerning his free time, “In my free time, I like to spend it with my family playing football, and probably make my wife angry by breaking something in the house.”
Above all, the Olympic gold medallist looks forward to enjoying a fulfilling life once his time in the ring is complete.
After hanging up his gloves, he has plans to help grow the sport of boxing in Ukraine and support the burgeoning career of light-heavyweight prospect Daniel Lapin, who is a close member of his team.
However, Usyk recognises that to accomplish these post-boxing goals, he must continue to train and take care of his body, humorously contrasting his approach with that of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo.
“23 years, I work,” Usyk said, referencing the football icon. “For example, Ronaldo was a good player – fast, good dribbling, skinny guy.”
“Then he stops football and [becomes a] big man,” Usyk continued. “I want to live long; I want to build Ukrainian school of boxing.”
He concluded, “I’m taking care of my health to live a happy life, and not to be disabled.”
