Oleksandr Usyk conquers boxing yet continues to seek the recognition he truly deserves
Oleksandr Usyk, at the age of 37, has triumphed over all challengers, yet there are indications of his frustration regarding the lack of recognition he receives.
Usyk settled the debate surrounding the premier heavyweight of this generation when he defeated the previously undefeated Tyson Fury for the second time late Saturday night in Riyadh.
When questioned about which heavyweight legends he could not have overcome, Usyk provided a modest yet significant response.
"Oleksandr Usyk," he stated to the media, before performing a karate-style bow and departing.
There is no doubt that Usyk has rightfully earned a place among the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and other iconic figures in the realm of undisputed heavyweights.
The 2012 Olympic heavyweight gold medalist, now boasting a professional record of 23-0 and having held undisputed titles in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, has crafted an extraordinary career.
As noted by Ring Magazine, the astute, gap-toothed fighter from Simferopol, Crimea, has "completed boxing."
Perhaps due to his limited proficiency in English or his unglamorous background, Usyk's team believes he remains somewhat overlooked.
"What more does Oleksandr need to demonstrate? He is the best," questioned his manager, Egis Klimas.
"Does he need to prove anything further?"
Usyk, who shares a birthday with Ali, built an impressive amateur record, securing both European and world titles along with Olympic gold.
He made his professional debut at the age of 26, and within just 15 fights, he became the first individual to unify all four cruiserweight titles.
He replicated this achievement after six bouts in the heavyweight division, defeating Fury in May to end a 25-year drought for a unified champion in the heavyweight category.
As he continues to exhaust his list of opponents, Usyk, who was too swift, fit, and precise for the towering 6ft 9ins (206cm), 281lb (127.4kg) Fury, won the rematch by unanimous decision.
Usyk remarked that the fight was "easier than the first one," and he has hinted at a potential return to the cruiserweight division.
Usyk has achieved victory over Anthony Joshua on two occasions, and prior to his bout with Fury, he secured a knockout against Daniel Dubois, who promptly called for a rematch following their encounter on Saturday.
These remarkable achievements stand in stark contrast to Usyk's beginnings in boxing at the age of 15, when he, already a skilled street fighter, recognized that boxing was a more economical pursuit than football.
"I chose to enter a boxing gym because it does not require overly expensive equipment," Usyk shared with Ring Magazine a decade ago.
"Additionally, I was aware of my fighting capabilities due to the numerous street fights I won during my youth."
Known as "The Cat" for his exceptional reflexes, Usyk has incorporated unconventional training methods, such as four-minute breath-holding, juggling, and his signature skill of balancing six coins on the back of his hands, tossing them into the air, and catching them.
As a successor to a prestigious lineage of Ukrainian boxers, including the Klitschko brothers and Vasyl Lomachenko, he is now enjoying considerable success in the affluent environment of Saudi Arabia.
It is perhaps unsurprising that, following a reported purse of $190 million for Saturday's match, the father of four expresses his intent to continue his career, despite his advancing age.
"Concerning the future, I possess both the will and the strength to pursue further endeavors," he stated.
SportsLigue