### Oleksandr Usyk Ventures into Hollywood After Historic Victory
**By Tom Beattie | May 23, 2024**
Oleksandr Usyk, fresh from his era-defining victory over Tyson Fury to become the unified world heavyweight champion, is set to embark on an unexpected new career path. The Ukrainian boxing icon, who made history by unifying the heavyweight titles, will soon grace the silver screen in a blockbuster movie.
#### Hollywood Bound
Usyk will star alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the upcoming film “The Smashing Machine.” This movie will feature Usyk as an MMA star, stepping into the role of countryman Igor Vovchanchyn. The film, which also stars Hollywood actress Emily Blunt and MMA star Ryan Bader, is slated for release in 2025. This move marks a significant departure from Usyk’s usual persona in the boxing ring and follows in the footsteps of fellow fighter Conor McGregor, who made his acting debut earlier this year.
#### A Triumphant Yet Temporary Reign
Usyk’s historic win over Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on May 18, 2024, saw him become the first fighter in his weight division to unite the titles since Lennox Lewis at the turn of the century. However, his reign as the holder of four belts will be short-lived. The IBF is set to strip him of his belt soon, compounded by a suspension from the British Boxing Board of Control until June 2, likely due to the broken jaw he sustained in his bout against Fury.
#### A Well-Deserved Break
Following his grueling preparations for the fight, which began in September 2023, Usyk expressed his desire for a break. “I don’t want to think about boxing now,” he said. “My camp started in September 2023 and I worked for nine months. I missed Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then the birth of my daughter. I also missed family holidays. I was only focused on this fight. Now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”
Usyk’s commitment to his training regime came at a significant personal cost, but his victory over Fury via a split decision in Riyadh proved that his dedication paid off. This victory cemented his place in boxing history, even as he prepares to step out of the ring and into a new role.
#### Tyson Fury’s Response
Tyson Fury, who suffered the defeat, initially appeared disgruntled with the decision. “I believe I won that fight. I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority. It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I’ll be back. The good little man got the decision,” Fury stated.
Despite the controversy, Usyk’s triumph over Fury stands as a testament to his skill and tenacity. As he transitions into his new role in Hollywood, the boxing world will undoubtedly be watching his next steps with keen interest.
