Oleksandr Usyk has very little left to achieve in the boxing ring.
The likeable Ukrainian has risen to the top as one of the sport’s most technically gifted and versatile champions.
After a successful amateur career which included winning Olympic gold at the London Games in 2012, Usyk turned professional in 2013 and began his dominance in the cruiserweight division.
His agile footwork, precise combinations and ring IQ led to notable victories over top fighters like Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew before he moved up to heavyweight in 2019.
The tricky southpaw quickly made his mark by defeating Derek Chisora and then two-time and unified world champion Anthony Joshua twice over back-to-back 12-round fights in 2021 and 2022.
After defending his titles against Daniel Dubois, Usyk then added Tyson Fury‘s WBC belt to become undisputed heavyweight ruler in May of this year.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, he was asked what keeps him motivated given the money and acclaim he has earned from the sport.
“Because I like this. It’s my life. I feel I have power. When I win an Olympic Gold medal, two times undisputed, it’s not my finished career. Maybe it’s only the start of my boxing career.”
He was asked then about what he might do after retirement.
“I have a plan what I will do after my boxing career. I have good team, Sergey, Nicola, we will work for boxing, young people, who wanna grow for boxing. Listen, we have a lot of time for boxing. Not only boxing, for life.
“I think I’m ready to fight, help people achieve not only for sport, for life, education, we must give opportunity for people. For example, you wanna go study for university, medicine, OK no problem, we help you, we pay for your education. But when you finish your study, you will help boxers and people.”
Usyk remains undefeated as he heads into a rematch with Fury this December.
