Oleksandr Usyk’s two sons are poised to continue their father’s legacy in boxing once he decides to retire. The Ukrainian is set to face Daniel Dubois on Saturday in a bid to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight world champion title for the second time. Prior to this, Usyk had held all four belts briefly after defeating Tyson Fury in their initial encounter before relinquishing his IBF crown. Following the Dubois fight, Usyk plans to have just one more match before stepping away from the sport.
Usyk’s sons, Mykhailo and Kyrylo, have expressed their aspirations to emulate their father’s success. Usyk mentioned, “My son aims to become an Olympic judo champion, while my youngest son dreams of becoming a boxing world champion.” However, Usyk emphasized the dedication and hard work required to achieve such goals, noting the sacrifices and challenges that come with fame.
The much-anticipated battle between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion will take place on Saturday, July 19. Fans can catch the fight on DAZN PPV for £24.99 or access it for free with a DAZN Annual plan.
Usyk dedicated three months away from his wife to prepare for the rematch with Dubois, with his sons accompanying him during training. Despite the difficulty of being apart from his family, Usyk stressed the importance of staying focused on his training journey. He reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling his childhood ambition to excel in boxing and the tough path he chose to reach his current status, aiming to provide a better life for his children.
In contrast to his childhood mindset, where he initially sought to be the toughest kid in his neighborhood, Usyk’s coach’s belief in his potential to become a world champion shifted his perspective. Usyk highlighted the disbelief from his hometown residents regarding his dreams and emphasized the importance of self-belief and hard work in achieving success.
While some of his peers chose different paths and did not fulfill their aspirations, Usyk’s determination and perseverance have led him to his current world champion status.