Recently, Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), the Ukrainian four-belt champion in two weight classes, revealed to the media that his greatest opponent is none other than himself. Usyk controversially won on points over Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in a 12-round battle on May 18, becoming the WBC/WBA Super/IBF/WBO unified heavyweight champion – a reign unseen since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in their second encounter in November 1999.
Said Usyk, “Many people advised me against moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight because of my smaller stature, believing I wouldn’t achieve anything there. But throughout my life, I’ve heard people say I wouldn’t succeed. Only those who never try will never succeed. I never listened to those who claimed I wouldn’t make it. Instead, I have always been deeply convinced of my own success. My biggest rival is myself.”
The 37-year-old Usyk currently holds an unblemished professional record of 22 wins with 14 knockouts and ranks number one in the BOXREC heavyweight rankings. Having unified the cruiserweight division in 2018 and the heavyweight division in 2024, he is set for a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21.
Usyk: My Biggest Foe Is Actually Myself. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/boxing-zone/7724.html
