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A comprehensive overview of Oleksandr Usyk's life and career, covering his biography, boxing achievements, net worth and social media presence.
Who is Oleksandr Usyk?
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Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian professional boxer.
He has achieved the remarkable feat of being the undisputed champion in two weight classes: cruiserweight and heavyweight, notably holding the undisputed world heavyweight title, unifying all four major belts, from May to June 2024.
He is also a former undisputed cruiserweight champion and an Olympic gold medallist. Known for his exceptional skills and southpaw stance, Usyk is considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world.
Where is Oleksandr Usyk from?
Oleksandr Usyk is from Ukraine. He was born in Simferopol, Crimea, but has lived in Kyiv.
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Oleksandr Usyk Age
Oleksandr Usyk, who was born on January 17, 1987, is 37 years old (as of December 2024).
Oleksandr Usyk Height
Oleksandr Usyk is 1.91 metres tall, which is 6 feet 3 inches.
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Oleksandr Usyk Reach
Oleksandr Usyk's reach is 198 centimetres (78 inches), which is considered quite long for his height. This gives him an advantage in keeping opponents at bay and landing punches from a distance.
Oleksandr Usyk Weight
Oleksandr Usyk's weight can fluctuate depending on his training and the weight class he is fighting in. However, for his most recent fight against Tyson Fury on December 20, 2024, he weighed in at 102.5 kg (226 lbs).
When did Oleksandr Usyk start boxing?
Oleksandr Usyk started boxing relatively late compared to many professional boxers.
He began training in 2002 at the age of 15. Before that, he had been involved in football (soccer) and other sports but ultimately found his passion in the boxing ring.
He graduated from Lviv State University of Physical Culture, a university specialising in sports education in Lviv, Ukraine.
What is Oleksandr Usyk nickname?
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Oleksandr Usyk's nickname is "The Cat". This is a nod to his exceptional agility, speed and elusiveness in the ring.
He is known for his smooth movements, quick reflexes and ability to avoid punches, much like a feline.
Oleksandr Usyk Biography
Born in Simferopol, Crimea, in 1987 to Ukrainian parents, Oleksandr Usyk's journey from amateur to undisputed champion began relatively late at 15, having previously shown interest in football (soccer).
After starting training in 2002, he quickly excelled as an amateur, showcasing his natural talent and technical prowess before turning pro.
He won gold at the 2008 European Championships and the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships in the heavyweight division.
However, his crowning achievement was clinching the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, preceding his cruiserweight domination.
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After turning pro in 2013, Usyk captured the WBO Inter-Continental title in 2014 and defended it successfully several times.
The Ukrainian boxer claimed the WBO cruiserweight world title in 2016, defeating Krzysztof Glowacki.
Subsequently, Usyk added the WBC title after outwitting Mairis Briedis in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final in 2018.
He became the undisputed cruiserweight champion later that year after defeating Murat Gassiev in the WBSS final, a success that unified all four major belts.
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He would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest cruiserweights in the sport's history after beating Tony Bellew in 2018, a triumph that foreshadowed his heavyweight dominance.
That push came in 2019 when Usyk transitioned to the heavyweight division, seeking new challenges.
The Ukrainian debuted with a win against Chazz Witherspoon and followed it up with a decisive victory over Derek Chisora.
Those victories indicated what was to come for Usyk, who dethroned Anthony Joshua in September 2021 to become the unified heavyweight champion, claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles.
He even went one better with a rematch victory over Joshua a year later in August 2022, adding the hitherto vacant Ring heavyweight title after a second success over the Anglo-Nigerian.
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He retained his WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles in controversial circumstances against Daniel Dubois in August 2023 before twice defeating Tyson Fury in 2024, adding the WBC heavyweight title to his impressive collection.
As of December 23, 2024, Usyk holds the WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO and The Ring heavyweight titles.
He vacated the IBF Heavyweight title in June 2024 for opting for a Fury rematch over facing mandatory challenger Dubois.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
In the first of two bouts, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury clashed for the undisputed heavyweight championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 18 May 2024.
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Originally scheduled for February, the fight was postponed due to a cut sustained by Fury during training.
Despite the delay and having to miss the birth of his child while training, Usyk entered the bout determined to make history.
The fight, billed as Ring of Fire, was a thrilling encounter, with both boxers having moments of dominance. Usyk started strong, applying pressure and landing powerful shots, while Fury utilised his jab effectively.
Fury gained control in the middle rounds, but Usyk mounted a dramatic comeback, even scoring a knockdown in the ninth.
Ultimately, Usyk emerged victorious via a close split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
A rematch, initially slated for October 2024, was held on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Usyk unanimously edged it on points, with the judges ringside scoring it 116-112.
With that victory, the Ukrainian extended his unbeaten record since turning pro.
Oleksandr Usyk Record
As of December 23, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk holds a 23-0 record.
Fourteen of the Ukrainian’s victories have come via knockouts, and nine have come by decision.
Oleksandr Usyk Boxing Titles
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Major world titles
- WBO cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
- WBC cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
- WBA (Super) cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
- IBF cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
- WBA (Super) heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
- IBF heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
- WBO heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
- WBC heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
Minor world titles
IBO heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
The Ring magazine titles
The Ring cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
The Ring heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
Regional/International titles
WBO interim Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
WBO Inter-Continental cruiserweight champion (200 lbs)
WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight champion (200+ lbs)
Honorary titles
WBC Diamond Cruiserweight champion
WBO Super Champion
WBC cruiserweight champion-in-recess
WBC Undisputed champion
WBO Undisputed champion
Riyadh Season Undisputed heavyweight champion
WBC Rumble in the Jungle champion
Oleksandr Usyk Medal Record
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Olympic Games
Gold medal London 2012 (Heavyweight)
World Championships
Gold medal Baku 2011 (Heavyweight)
Bronze medal Milan 2009 (Heavyweight)
European Championships
Gold medal Liverpool 2008 (Light-heavyweight)
Bronze medal Plovdiv 2006 (Middleweight)
World Cup
Silver medal Moscow 2008 (Heavyweight)
Strandzha Cup
Gold medal Plovdiv 2008 (Light-heavyweight)
Oleksandr Usyk Parents
Although in-depth information about Oleksandr Usyk’s parents is limited, both were originally from northern Ukraine.
His late father was a native of Sumy, and his mother was born in the Chernihiv region. The boxer's father passed away after Usyk's Olympic gold medal in 2012.
Oleksandr Usyk Wife
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Oleksandr Usyk's wife is Yekaterina Usyk. They were married in 2009 and have four children: two daughters (Yelizaveta and Mariia) and two sons (Kyrylo and Mykhailo).
Oleksandr Usyk Net Worth
Oleksandr Usyk's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million (£40 million).
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He has amassed this wealth primarily through his successful boxing career, earning substantial sums from his high-profile fights, particularly his two bouts against Anthony Joshua and his recent fights against Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian has endorsement deals with various brands, including Rival boxing equipment, Jaxet clothing and Lomus fashion.
Usyk's net worth has seen significant growth in recent years, coinciding with his move to the heavyweight division and his victories over prominent opponents.
Continued success in the ring, coupled with his global recognition and marketability, should lead to a further increase in his net worth.
Oleksandr Usyk Social Media
Oleksandr Usyk is active on social media, particularly on Instagram (@usykaa), where he has over 3 million followers (as of December 23, 2024).
The boxer also posts on X, formerly Twitter (@usykaa), albeit infrequently compared to Instagram. He has over 171,700 followers on X.
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