Oleksandr Usyk: Once More Into The Frey
Following a prolific Olympic career, Usyk began his pro career on September 11, 2013. He would go on to win his next nine fights before facing Krzysztof Glowacki for the WBO cruiserweight title. Usyk would then dominate the contest and win by unanimous decision.
After winning his next five fights, Usyk earned himself a shot at unification when he squared off against Mairis Briedis. That was the defining fight for Usyk at cruiserweight for all the right reasons.
Prior to the Briedis contest, we hadn’t seen Usyk tested physically and mentally in the professional ranks. However, when the test knocked, he answered with flying colours, proving that he’s indeed battle-tested at the highest level.
Six months after Usyk’s monumental bout against Briedis, he claimed undisputed status by defeating Murat Gassiev on July 21, 2018. Shortly after, Usyk made his final appearance at cruiserweight when he clashed against Liverpool’s bravest son, Tony Bellew.
The Manchester Arena was in awe of what took place that night. After a gruelling firefight, Usyk scored his most devastating knockout to date, leaving Bellew out cold and confused, unsure where Usyk’s left missile came from.
On October 12, 2019, Usyk made his long-anticipated heavyweight debut defeating Chazz Witherspoon in the seventh. Unquestionably, that was Usyk’s most underwhelming performance. And following that night, heavyweights started to lick their chops, thinking that Usyk was ready for the taking. However, little did anyone know, he was about to rule the division…
A year later, Usyk locked horns against legendary Finchley fighter Derek Chisora on October 31, 2020. In my modest opinion, Usyk lost to Chisora in a highly close contested bout. That said, Even though Usyk walked that night with another win under his belt, a blueprint was shown on how to beat the Ukrainian Southpaw Puzzle.
Eleven months later, Oleksandr Usyk got his shot at gold when he faced British boxing icon Anthony Joshua on September 25, 2021. Moments before that fight, the win for Joshua seemed to be a formality mainly due to the size difference. However, Usyk came in with unshakable confidence, believing that the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
The history books will show Usyk beating Joshua in the first fight by decision. However, if there was a second or two more, Usyk would have knocked out the former champion in dramatic fashion in the twelfth.
Usyk continues his historic reign with his people and country in his mind and heart as he enters the fray once more to face Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
