Usyk named among 100 most influential sports figures of 2026
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has received another major international recognition, according to TIME.
Symbol of resistance among global sports stars
The undefeated Ukrainian champion has officially been included in TIME's prestigious TIME100 Sports list of the 100 most influential people in sports for 2026.
Usyk was placed in the Leaders" category alongside some of the biggest names in world sport, including:
- Stephen Curry
- Gianni Infantino and Dana White
- Kimi Antonelli and Aryna Sabalenka
TIME highlighted Usyk as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
The publication recalled that following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the boxer took up arms and joined Kyiv's territorial defense forces.
The magazine also noted Usyk's extensive charitable work. Through his foundation, he has helped supply military vehicles, communications equipment, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Other stars on the list
The global TIME ranking was divided into four major categories.
Besides the Leaders group, the list included:
- Icons: Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz
- Titans: Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, and Victor Wembanyama
- Innovators: Michael Jordan and Jalen Brunson.
