Oleksandr Usyk will rematch Daniel Dubois this summer in a bid to put to rest any controversy surrounding his first encounter with the Brit.
Since 2023, Oleksandr Usyk has had to endure countless remarks, doubts, and accusations regarding his encounter with Daniel Dubois.
A punch that floored Usyk was ruled low, though some believe it shouldn’t have been. Many argue Dubois’ shot could’ve left Usyk unable to continue, making him the rightful world champion. Boxers had their say on Dubois’ low blow, but the debate rages on, at least until Usyk puts it to bed for good.
In an interview ahead of the fight, Usyk was asked who his boxing heroes were, and his answers might surprise you.
Oleksandr Usyk names Miguel Cotto as one of his four inspirations
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Usyk was asked who his boxing hero is. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Usyk picked Muhammad Ali as one of his inspirations.
When asked why, Usyk said: “Because it’s not only boxing. […] Ali support for people, for God, for all people who have problem. Boxing? Of course.”
Usyk went on to name his other inspirations, including Miguel Cotto, who was beaten by Canelo. Canelo hilariously required his trainers help to use the toilet ahead of the Cotto fight.
The Ukrainian said: “I like a lot of… Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera.”
Miguel Cotto lost to Sadam Ali and retired with a record of 41-6. One loss came to Antonio Margarito, who Cotto punished for cheating in their rematch.
Pacquiao needs no introduction, an eight-division champion and hall-of-famer, and Marco Antonio Barrera, the only man to beat Naseem Hamed, shared the ring with Pacquiao, Mayweather, and more, retiring at 67-7.
Oleksandr Usyk gives cryptic response when asked about his legacy
Morgan asked Usyk after hearing his inspirations whether he believes himself to be one of the best, or where he ranks himself amongst the all-time boxing greats.
Usyk responded bluntly: “I’m last.”
After being asked to elaborate, Usyk, who has beaten both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice, eventually said: “It’s not I must say, it’s the people [who decide] not me.”
Morgan revealed Usyk is in his own top three heavyweights of all-time, a sentiment many more are starting to believe in too.