WHILE there is very little left for him to achieve, the ambition to become a three-time undisputed champion nonetheless weighs heavily on Oleksandr Usyk’s mind.
After amassing all the jewellery down at cruiserweight, the masterful technician replicated his feat, this time in the land of the giants, with a split decision victory over Tyson Fury last year.
Once again, Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs), did the business in their rematch last December, before leaving the future of his illustrious career in the balance.
But even with his many accolades, both as an amateur and professional, the 38-year-old remains eager to further enhance his already decorated legacy.
In a bid to reclaim his IBF strap, which he relinquished shortly after outpointing Fury the first time around, Usyk will lock horns with Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, London, July 19.
The pair squared off back in 2023, when the Ukrainian utilised his superior footwork and ring IQ to retain his belts with a comprehensive ninth-round stoppage victory.
Yet still, Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), seemingly remains convinced that the shot he landed in the fifth round of their encounter, which the referee deemed a low blow, was instead a legal right hand to the body.
But regardless of that, Usyk is determined to remove any doubt over his dominance in this era, as with two victories over Dubois, Fury and Anthony Joshua respectively, there would be no denying that he is the greatest heavyweight of his generation.
When asked about his remarkable longevity in the sport, ‘The Cat’ kept it simple while, at the same time, putting his typically light-hearted sense of humour on display.
“I live a healthy lifestyle – I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t go clubbing,” Usyk told Boxing News. “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.”
More than anything, the Olympic gold medallist looks forward to enjoying a flourishing life outside the ring.
After hanging up the gloves, he has plans to amplify the boxing scene in Ukraine while also assisting the exciting career of Daniel Lapin, a light-heavyweight prospect and close member of his team.
But in order to do so, Usyk recognises that, unlike Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, he must continue to train and look after his body.
“23 years, I work,” Usyk added during the media roundtable. “For example, Ronaldo was a good player – fast, good dribbling, skinny guy.
“Then he stops football and [becomes a] big man. I want to live long; I want to build Ukrainian school of boxing.
“I’m taking care of my health to live a happy life, and not to be disabled.”
