Oleksandr Usyk: The Undisputed Champion Who Swept Boxing's Two Biggest Weight Classes

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In the world of professional boxing, reaching the pinnacle of one weight division is already an extraordinary achievement. But to conquer two of the sport’s most competitive divisions—cruiserweight and heavyweight—while remaining undefeated is a rare feat reserved for the all-time greats. Oleksandr Usyk has carved his name alongside the legendary Evander Holyfield by becoming an undisputed champion in both divisions. He also follows in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion of the 20th century. However, what sets Usyk apart is his meteoric rise—he accomplished all of this in just 22 professional fights. With a dazzling combination of elite footwork, defensive mastery, and high boxing IQ, Usyk has proved that skill and strategy can trump size and power in the heavyweight division. As of January 2025, he has twice defeated Tyson Fury, solidifying his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and cementing his unshakable legacy.

The Early Years: From Football to Boxing

Born on January 17, 1987, in Shypyntsi, Ukraine, Oleksandr Usyk initially pursued soccer and even played for the youth team of SC Tavriya Simferopol. However, at the age of 15, he shifted his focus to boxing—a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. Despite starting later than most elite fighters, Usyk quickly showcased extraordinary adaptability and a strong work ethic. His technical style, inspired by the Eastern European school of boxing, made him a nightmare for opponents.

Amateur Glory: The Foundation of a Champion

Before transitioning to the professional ranks, Usyk built a decorated amateur career, winning titles on the world’s biggest stages. His achievements included:

2008 European Championships: Gold medal in the light heavyweight division.
2011 World Championships: gold medal in the heavyweight division.
2012 London Olympics: gold medal in the heavyweight division.

By winning Olympic gold, Usyk followed the path of legends like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis, setting the stage for his future dominance in the professional ranks.

Turning Pro: A Fast Rise to the Top

Usyk made his professional debut on November 9, 2013, at the age of 26. His unique combination of footwork, head movement, and pinpoint accuracy quickly made him a standout fighter. Unlike many prospects who are carefully matched against weaker opponents, Usyk took the fast track to world championship status:

September 17, 2016: Defeated Krzysztof Głowacki to win the WBO Cruiserweight Championship in only his 9th professional fight.
January 27, 2018: Won a majority decision over Mairis Briedis to unify the WBO and WBC titles.
July 21, 2018: Defeated Murat Gassiev in a masterclass performance to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring).
November 10, 2018: Knocked out Tony Bellew in his final cruiserweight fight, cleaning out the division before moving up to heavyweight.

This historic run cemented Usyk’s status as one of the greatest cruiserweights of all time, putting him in the same conversation as Evander Holyfield.

The Heavyweight Transition: Proving the Doubters Wrong

When Usyk announced his move to heavyweight, critics doubted his ability to compete against much larger opponents. However, his ring IQ, speed, and technical brilliance proved to be more than enough to neutralize the division’s biggest punchers.

October 12, 2019: Dominated Chazz Witherspoon in his heavyweight debut.
October 31, 2020: Defeated Derek Chisora, showing he could handle a rugged brawler with power.
September 25, 2021: Shocked the world by defeating Anthony Joshua via unanimous decision, becoming the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.
August 20, 2022: Won a rematch against Joshua by split decision, proving the first victory was no fluke.
May 18, 2024: Defeated Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated undisputed title fight, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.

Usyk’s triumph over Fury, one of the most skilled heavyweights in history, erased all doubts about his capabilities.

Usyk vs. Fury Rematch: The Inevitable Dominance

After their first encounter, Fury demanded an immediate rematch, eager to reclaim his titles. However, Usyk once again proved his superior boxing intelligence and adaptability. In November 2024, he secured a second victory over Fury, making it clear that he was not only the champion but the most complete fighter of this generation. This back-to-back victory against one of the greatest heavyweights in history solidified Usyk’s place among the sport’s immortals.

Fighting Style: The Art of Movement

What makes Oleksandr Usyk so special?

Elite Footwork & Movement

Usyk moves like a lightweight trapped in a heavyweight’s body. His constant lateral movement, feints, and ability to control the distance make him extremely difficult to hit cleanly.

Defensive Genius

Unlike power punchers, Usyk relies on superior defense and ring generalship. He absorbs minimal damage while gradually breaking his opponents down.

Stamina & Conditioning

His unparalleled endurance allows him to maintain a high work rate for all 12 rounds, forcing bigger heavyweights into deep waters.

Tactical Adjustments

Usyk’s ability to adapt mid-fight is one of his greatest weapons. He studies his opponents in the early rounds and systematically dismantles them as the fight progresses.

Career Achievements & Legacy

As of January 2025, Usyk’s unbeaten record stands at:

23-0 (14 KOs)
Undisputed cruiserweight champion (5 belts)
Undisputed heavyweight champion (6 belts)
Two victories over Anthony Joshua
Two victories over Tyson Fury

Only Evander Holyfield has ever achieved undisputed status in both divisions, and now Usyk has matched that historic feat. However, Usyk’s dominance in fewer fights makes his accomplishment even more remarkable.

Beyond Boxing: The Man Behind the Gloves

While Usyk is a warrior inside the ring, he is also a man of faith, humility, and compassion. He has consistently spoken about the power of self-belief and the importance of helping others. He has been an advocate for Ukrainian resilience and national pride, especially during difficult times for his homeland. Despite his success, he remains grounded, often seen joking, dancing, and showing respect to all his opponents. His mindset extends beyond boxing—it’s a philosophy for life: work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up.

Conclusion

Oleksandr Usyk’s career is a testament to excellence, adaptability, and perseverance. By conquering two of boxing’s toughest divisions, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. As the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk stands atop the boxing world, with his name forever etched alongside the greatest warriors in history. Whether he chooses to retire undefeated or take on more challenges, one thing is certain: Usyk’s legacy is untouchable.