Oleksandr Usyk is truly a one-of-a-kind talent in the boxing ring.
The Ukrainian southpaw possesses a rare combination of skills that make him incredibly athletic, with great reactions, the footwork of a dancer, and the IQ of a chess master. Add in a big heart and an unshakable mentality, and you have one of the most complete fighters in the sport today. Usyk has shown his resilience by coming back from challenging rounds against the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to secure victories.
Not only is he a theoretical pound-for-pound king, but he has also proven himself as an Olympic gold medalist, an undisputed cruiserweight champion, and most recently, an undisputed heavyweight ruler. This feat, achieved only by Evander Holyfield before him, is even more impressive in the four-belt era.
Given Usyk’s unique style and dominance, it’s hard to imagine who he might have taken inspiration from during his rise. However, speaking to TNT Sports Boxing, Usyk revealed that he used to mimic the moves of British legend and former featherweight champion ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed.
Inspired by a Legend
“When we were amateurs, we copied his [Naseem Hamed] movements. And we were under pressure in the gym because we were not allowed to do so. They were telling us that it looked like we were losing our concentration and our focus, like we were out of control. But I kept doing it, even during competitions,” Usyk shared.
Prince Naseem Hamed was known for his thrilling, unorthodox style and famous showboating in the ring, along with his lavish ring walks. Usyk has also shown a playful side, often seen with unique training techniques in the gym and a love of dancing online.
On December 21, Usyk will need to be dialed in once more as he defends his world titles and lineal status against Tyson Fury, having won their first fight in May on a split decision. The upcoming rematch is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how Usyk will fare against the formidable Fury once again.
Usyk’s admission of his inspiration from Prince Naseem Hamed adds another layer to the fascinating narrative of his career. It highlights how even the greatest fighters can draw from the styles of past legends to create their own path to greatness.
As the boxing world waits for the next chapter in Usyk’s career, one thing is clear: his blend of skill, heart, and inspiration continues to make him one of the most captivating figures in the sport today.
