Oleksandr Usyk’s rise to global admiration is as much about his magnetic personality and principles as it is about his boxing prowess.
The Ukrainian heavyweight champion stands apart not only for his skills in the ring but also for the humanity, humility, and heart that he brings to everything he does.
While Usyk is celebrated as one of boxing’s finest, he is cherished globally for being more than just a fighter—he is a father, a patriot, and a man of remarkable character.
Ahead of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, Mail Sport have taken a look at what makes the 37-year-old quite so likeable.
In a time of war and uncertainty, Usyk has become a beacon of hope for his homeland and the people in it.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Usyk didn’t hide behind fame or fortune. Instead, he returned home, enlisted in the military, and was prepared to fight on the front lines to defend his country.
Oleksandr Usyk ‘s rise to global admiration is as much about his magnetic personality and principles as it is about his boxing prowess
Usyk became the first undisputed world champion of the four-belt era in May, stripping Tyson Fury of his WBC title to write his name into the history books as one of boxing’s all-time greats
The pair will go toe-to-toe for a second time in Saudi Arabia on December 21 – with Turki Alalshikh taking to social media in October to announce the undercard for the rematch
He joined the Kyiv Territorial Defence and was seen patrolling the streets of Ukraine with a machine gun in hand alongside his comrades.
However, he never wanted to hurt anyone. During an interview with the Guardian, he said: ‘Every day I was there, I was praying and asking: Please, God, don’t let anybody try to kill me. Please don’t let anybody shoot me. And please don’t make me shoot any other person.’
This extraordinary decision to fight for his country and stand by his people showcased his loyalty and courage, drawing admiration not just from his fellow Ukrainians but from the public around the world.
Despite stepping back from the front line to continue his boxing career, Usyk remains unwavering in his support for Ukraine through his extensive charitable efforts.
Working closely with Ready to Fight, a platform he co-founded, Usyk has raised millions to bolster Ukraine’s resistance against Russia.
His contributions include funding critical resources such as ambulances, medical aid, and essential supplies for civilians and soldiers affected by the war.
Usyk’s dedication to Ukraine extends beyond personal contributions; he also leveraged his global platform to secure additional support for his homeland from others.
In a remarkable move, Usyk inserted clauses into fight contracts that required his opponents, including the likes of Fury, to donate a portion of their substantial fight purses to Ukraine’s war efforts.
The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world hosted middleweight Olympic champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak at his training camp in Spain
Mail Sport joined Usyk in camp for a second time to take a look at his preparations for the 21st
Usyk (centre) enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Usyk extended his philanthropy to support fellow Ukrainian athletes, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the country’s sports legacy thrives even amid conflict.
He provided substantial financial aid, offering thousands of pounds to Ukrainian Olympic champions and other elite athletes.
The undisputed heavyweight champion of the world hosted middleweight Olympic champion Oleksandr Khyzhniak at his training camp in Spain and gave him $100,000.
This funding helps Ukrainian athletes continue their training and pursue excellence on the world stage, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war.
Meanwhile, for Ukrainian’s, Usyk’s victories in the ring carry immense symbolic weight. With each win, he reminds the world of his nation’s resilience and spirit.
His entrance to the ring, always draped in the blue and yellow of Ukraine’s flag or dressed in traditional Cossack clothing, is a powerful statement of solidarity.
After defeating Anthony Joshua in their rematch in 2022, Usyk dedicated his victory to Ukraine. He said: ‘This is for my country, my people, and my army.’
This connection to his homeland has transformed him from a sporting hero into a national icon that carries immense weight.
One of his most memorable statements came when he donned a vyshyvanka, the traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt, during a press event on Vyshyvanka Day
Beyond his clothing, Usyk often channels the imagery of a Cossack warrior, a figure synonymous with independence and bravery in Ukrainian history
His distinctive hairstyle, the oseledets—a shaved head with a single forelock—has become one of his trademarks
Even his boxing shorts frequently feature the national colours of blue and yellow, adorned with symbols of peace and freedom
Away from the spotlight, Usyk is a devoted family man whose love for his wife, Yekaterina, and their three children shines through in his interviews.
He frequently gushes about his wife, crediting her with providing stability and grounding throughout his journey.
A particularly touching detail is Usyk’s relationship with his daughter, who gifted him an Eeyore teddy bear before one of his fights.
Usyk keeps the bear with him as a talisman, a symbol of his bond with his family and a reminder of what he fights for.
Usyk’s emotional connection to his late father is another window into his softer side. He often becomes teary-eyed when speaking about the man who inspired his relentless drive and discipline.
What sets Usyk apart in the heavyweight division is not just his unblemished record but his unconventional and almost whimsical approach to life.
Usyk’s workout routines are legendary for their eccentricity. He incorporates juggling to improve hand-eye coordination, swims in freezing waters to build resilience, and dances to enhance his agility.
These methods are a testament to his playful spirit and his belief that creativity and joy are integral to success.
A particularly touching detail is Usyk’s relationship with his daughter, who gifted him an Eeyore teddy bear before one of his fights
Outside the ring, Usyk exudes charisma. He’s known for his impromptu singing and dancing, which often steal the show during interviews or press events.
Whether belting out a tune or cracking jokes, Usyk’s antics create a sense of warmth and accessibility that is rare in the often-intense world of professional boxing.
Even his serious moments are laced with humility and respect, as Usyk refuses to trash-talk opponents, opting instead to let his performance in the ring do the talking.
Although Usyk speaks limited English, his personality transcends language. His expressions, body language, and infectious enthusiasm communicate more than words ever could.
Fans appreciate his authenticity, a quality that resonates universally. He embodies a rare blend of showmanship and modesty, seamlessly balancing his larger-than-life persona with a grounded humility.
Usyk’s respectful demeanour is particularly evident in his approach to rivals. Even in the buildup to high-stakes bouts, he refrains from insults, a stark contrast to the trash-talking culture prevalent in boxing.
His interactions with opponents are marked by dignity, and his sportsmanship has earned him admiration from fans and fighters alike.
Usyk’s connection to his Cossack heritage further enriches his identity. From his oseledets—a traditional Cossack hairstyle with a single forelock—to his fight gear adorned with symbols of Ukrainian history and culture, Usyk channels the spirit of Ukraine’s storied warriors. This cultural pride reinforces his role as a representative of his nation on the global stage.
At the same time, Usyk remains deeply aware of the privilege and responsibility that come with his platform.
He often collaborates with Ukrainian designers to create ring outfits that carry symbolic messages of unity, resilience, and freedom. Each piece he wears into the ring is a testament to his commitment to his people and their struggle for independence.
Usyk’s appeal lies in the totality of who he is: a champion who fights with skill and heart, a patriot who never forgets his roots, and a human being who finds joy and meaning in the simplest things.
He represents the qualities many admire but rarely find in the world of professional sports: humility, authenticity, and a deep connection to something greater than himself.
While other heavyweights may dominate headlines with bravado, Usyk captures hearts with his quiet confidence and genuine spirit.
His victories feel less like personal triumphs and more like collective wins for his family, his fans, and his country.
For these reasons, Oleksandr Usyk is not just a likeable heavyweight; he is a global phenomenon and an enduring symbol of hope and humanity.
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