The Champion’s Arduous Journey: Oleksandr Usyk’s Human Tale
Oleksandr Usyk, famously dubbed “The Cat”, shares a birthday, January 17th, with the legendary American boxing icon, Muhammad Ali. Usyk clinched the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the 2012 London Olympics and became the world champion in 2011. Post the 2012 Olympics, he transitioned to professional boxing, personally mentored by the Klitschko brothers. However, Usyk’s path to heavyweight boxing was fraught with challenges. Notably, his debut match against Carlos Takam in May 2019 was postponed due to a sudden arm injury. Subsequent rescheduling to September saw Takam withdraw, and Tyrone Spong, the replacement, was sidelined due to doping allegations. Consequently, Usyk faced Chazz Witherspoon on October 12, 2019, triumphing after seven rounds.
To secure a bout with a significant opponent, Usyk had to “earn his stripes”. In November 2020, he strained every sinew to outscore the formidable Derek Chisora. This victory established Usyk’s credibility to challenge Anthony Joshua, the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion.
In September 2021, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, and in August 2022, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Usyk triumphed in both bouts, securing victories by decision and officially holding the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles.
Yesterday, on May 19th, Oleksandr Usyk delivered a stellar performance against Tyson Fury, achieving one of the most significant victories of his career and unifying the WBA, IBF, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles, thus becoming the undisputed champion. “Usyk’s win over Fury: A night replete with passion, skill, and unforgettable drama,” commented the Spanish newspaper, Marca. “Usyk turned the tide of potential defeat into a spectacular triumph. Despite Fury’s long reach and superior range, relentlessly attacking Usyk, it was in the sixth round that the British boxer seemed to gain the upper hand by landing a punch on Usyk’s chin, seemingly poised for victory. However, from the seventh round, the tide began to turn. Usyk regained momentum with a combination of offensive strikes and astute defense, leaving Fury reeling from the onslaught. Only through sheer effort and courage did Fury manage to withstand without being knocked out. The judges scored Usyk’s victory over Fury with scores of 115-112, 114-113, and 113-114, although not unanimous, they were accurate decisions,” Marca evaluated.
A Triumph of Will over Adversity
“Usyk’s triumph over Fury not only establishes him as the absolute heavyweight champion but also as one of the greatest athletes in this sport. Usyk delivered a classic fight, showcasing the best aspects of boxing: skill, strategy, passion, and the will to overcome adversity,” emphasized Marca.
To achieve today’s glory, Usyk endured a grueling childhood. Few know that he began his sporting career with soccer, then wrestled, practiced karate, and various other sports. At the age of 15, Usyk switched to boxing because his family couldn’t afford the expenses for him to pursue a professional soccer career.
In his amateur boxing career, Usyk boasted an impressive record of 335 wins and only 15 losses. He remains one of Ukraine’s most outstanding athletes, with the pinnacle being his gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. “Tonight, the boxing world witnessed a scene that will be remembered for years to come, as Usyk becomes the undisputed heavyweight champion, a testament to perseverance and overcoming life’s obstacles,” Marca concluded.
Responding to the media immediately after the match, Usyk couldn’t contain his emotions as he thanked his team and family: “I am very grateful to my team. This fight was a big opportunity for me, for my family, and my country.” Notably, the 37-year-old boxer did not attend the post-fight press conference, and according to his manager, Alexander Krassyuk, he was taken straight to the hospital for examination due to suspected jaw fractures.
