Unstoppable Ukrainian Usyk: watch the best of his knockout victories
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian boxer who changes the rules of the game. Each of his fights becomes an event, from his first titles in the cruiserweight division to his triumphs in the heavyweight division. In this selection, we will remind you of five bouts that defined his path to the top of world boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk - Krzysztof Głowacki (September 17, 2016)
In Gdańsk, Poland, Oleksandr Usyk fought for the WBO cruiserweight title.
This was Usyk's first title fight in the professional ring, away from home, against the undefeated Polish fighter. Usyk won and showcased world-class skills like jabs, distance, and ring control.
From this moment, he began to be called the main threat in the cruiserweight division. Usyk became world champion in just his 10th fight—one of the quickest paths to a title in history.
Oleksandr Usyk - Murat Gassiev (July 21, 2018)
Usyk fought for the title of undisputed world champion in the cruiserweight division in Moscow (WBSS +4 belts).
This was the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament, where the winner takes it all. Usyk had an ideal fight in enemy territory: he outboxed the knockout artist Gassiev in every round, leaving no chance.
The victory made Usyk the undisputed champion in the first heavyweight division. Usyk was seriously considered a heavyweight division contender after this fight.
Oleksandr Usyk - Tony Bellew (November 10, 2018)
Usyk defended all his cruiserweight titles in the English city of Manchester. At stake was the undisputed championship.
Bellew was a popular British fighter and a threat to the top tier. Many doubted Usyk because of his opponent's aggressive style. However, Oleksandr withstood the pressure, technically dismantled the Brit, and knocked him out in the 8th round.
This was the final fight in the cruiserweight division, after which the Ukrainian boxer announced his move to heavyweight, marking a new chapter in his career.
Oleksandr Usyk - Anthony Joshua (September 25, 2021)
London, England, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. At stake were three heavyweight titles: WBA, IBF, and WBO. The focus was on a fight that could change the balance of power in world boxing.
Usyk was considered the underdog. Joshua was younger, stronger, and the champion. But the Ukrainian shocked the world: he outboxed his opponent tactically, physically, and psychologically.
The fight was one-sided; Usyk almost knocked out the Brit in the end. This was the sensation of the year. Usyk became a world champion in his second weight class, heavyweight.
Oleksandr Usyk - Tyson Fury (May 18, 2024)
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the historic fight for the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion—holding all the main belts—took place. This showdown determined the unquestionable king of the heavyweight division in modern boxing.
Fury was undefeated and weighed 15+ kg heavier. But Usyk once again proved that technique is more important than mass. He broke Tyson in the 9th round and won by split decision.
Usyk became the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis (1999) and the first in the four-belt era.
Usyk - Dubois 2: What we know about the fight
The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois is scheduled for July 19 and will take place in London at the legendary Wembley Stadium. This bout will be the second meeting of the boxers in the ring and one of the most anticipated boxing confrontations of the summer.
All four major heavyweight titles will be at stake: WBA, WBC, WBO (currently held by the Ukrainian), and IBF (currently held by the Brit).
Usyk's opponent is demonstrating maximum confidence in his victory over Oleksandr. The British boxer is convinced that this time he will outbox the Ukrainian and prove that he deserves the championship title.
