Not Tyson, not Ali – This legend is the ‘guiding light’ for Usyk to dominate the world!

He’s the undisputed heavyweight king, but his secret inspiration isn’t Tyson, Ali, or any of the usual greats. Instead, Oleksandr Usyk credits a flamboyant featherweight — Prince Naseem Hamed — as the fighter who shaped his journey. Sound unlikely? It is. But as you dive deeper, you’ll discover how this eccentric showman became the blueprint behind one of the most disciplined, technical boxers of our generation.

A Surprising Muse for a Modern Legend

When you think of boxing icons, names like Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali usually dominate the conversation. But for undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, his guiding star wasn’t one of these household legends. Instead, Usyk credits Prince Naseem Hamed — the flamboyant British featherweight — as the creative inspiration that helped shape his unique style. Yes, Usyk copied Hamed’s movements during his amateur years — despite criticism — and carried that flair all the way to the top of the heavyweight division. This article unpacks how a small-statured showman became the unexpected compass for one of modern boxing’s most technical and disciplined champions.

The Unlikely Inspiration: Naseem Hamed

Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed was a boxing sensation in the late 1990s. Known for his outrageous ring entrances, dazzling footwork, and knockout power, he dominated the featherweight division from 1995 to 2000. His style was part performance, part precision — a package that redefined how featherweights could electrify audiences.

Then there’s Oleksandr Usyk — an Olympic gold medallist (London 2012), an undefeated pro who became undisputed champion at cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight, defeating top-tier opponents like Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.

It’s unusual that someone so upright and disciplined in the ring would name Hamed — known for showboating — as a primary influence. But Usyk admitted:

“When we were amateurs, we copied his movements… they told us we were losing concentration… but I kept doing it, even during competitions.”

These words reveal something deeper than mimicry — Usyk embraced the performer’s heart as much as the technicality of the sport.

Why Hamed? The Power of Persona and Movement

Choosing Hamed as a role model says a lot about what Usyk values:

• Expressive Individuality
  In a sport built on form and fundamentals, Hamed brought raw personality, timing, and showmanship. Usyk’s admiration for that flair speaks to his appreciation for boxing as personal expression.

• Strategic Footwork & Angles
  Hamed’s unorthodox stance and lateral movement created angles few featherweights used. Usyk, by contrast, has mastered similar angular footwork — albeit in a controlled, Southpaw style — enabling him to outmaneuver much larger opponents.

• The Psychology of Confidence
  Hamed’s cocky entrances weren’t just theatrics — they were psychological warfare. Usyk’s own quiet but assured presence in the ring reflects a similar baton of confidence, albeit channeled differently.

By blending Hamed’s swagger with his own disciplined craft, Usyk forged a style that is both functional and charismatic.

Against Disapproval: Starting Out ‘Wrong’

According to Usyk, his coaches in amateur boxing often discouraged mimicking Hamed’s flashy style. They felt it signaled distraction or lack of discipline. But Usyk pressed on.

This defiance shows two key traits:

1. Courage to Be Different – While many boxers hidden their personality to fit the mold, Usyk leaned into it.

2. Self-Belief – He trusted his instincts enough to preserve them even when they went against coaching advice.

In professional boxing, this individual brand made Usyk stand out — not just for being undefeated, but for being unique.

From Amateur Showmanship to Undisputed Champion

Fast forward to today: Usyk holds all four major heavyweight titles — WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO — a truly historic achievement. A fighter who once imitated a featherweight entertainer now stands at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.

Here’s how Hamed’s influence echoes in Usyk’s dominant run:

• Movement & Angle Creation: Usyk’s ability to shimmy in and out, shifting angles, often mirrors Hamed’s style — though cleaner, more measured.

• Combative Poise and Rhythm: Usyk’s combinations are delivered with rhythm and purpose — nodding to Hamed’s rhythmic setups.

• Composure Under Pressure: When faced with adversity (e.g., Tyson Fury’s size or Joshua’s power), Usyk remains calm and creative — a counterbalance to his opponents’ aggression.

Legacy and Symbolism: Why Hamed Matters to Usyk

Hamed was more than an idol; his legacy reshaped how boxing could be both athletic and theatrical. Usyk’s embrace of that reveals:

• Respect for History: Dedication to boxing’s artistic roots, not just its brutality.

• The Courage to Evolve: Even modern boxing needs flair and identity to gravitate toward new generations — something Usyk carries forward.

• Creative Joy of the Sport: Not all great fighters need to be stoic. Usyk proves mastery and showmanship can coexist beautifully.

Conclusion: Beyond Imitation, Transformation

In revealing his admiration for Prince Naseem Hamed — and openly copying him against advice — Usyk offers a lesson many overlook:

True greatness isn’t just honing what’s expected. It’s integrating the unexpected.

Usyk’s path from amateur to undisputed heavyweight champion wasn’t linear. It was a fusion of discipline and individuality. By preserving that quirky shadow of Hamed, he tells us that originality and excellence are inseparable.

So yes, the guiding light for the modern heavyweight king wasn’t Tyson or Ali. It was a featherweight showman who dared to dance — and Usyk danced with him, taking that spark all the way to the very top of the world.