Dancing Video Lands Oleksandr Usyk in Trouble as WBO Launches Investigation Against Champ

Boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was seen dancing at a party in Ukraine, which contradicts his title fight postponement.


Dancing Video Lands Oleksandr Usyk in Trouble as WBO Launches Investigation Against Champ

Oleksandr Usyk gets caught dancing while on injury break (via MMA Fighting, X)

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The boxing world has seen its fair share of controversies, from failed steroid tests and controversial judging to champions pulling out of fights under suspicious circumstances. While these moments often spark heated debates among fans, they also test the credibility of the sport and its biggest stars.

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk finds himself at the center of scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him dancing at a concert in Ukraine. The controversy stems as he seemed active despite postponing his title defense due to a reported back injury.

The Ukrainian champion’s last outing in the squared circle came against Daniel Dubois in July 2025. Usyk put on a dominating performance when he knocked out Dubois in the fifth round with a devastating left hook. Soon, Dubois tumbled down to No. 5 in The Ring rankings, while Joseph Parker ascended to No. 2 and emerged as the WBO’s new mandatory title challenger.

However, instead of entering negotiations right away, Usyk’s camp requested an extension, citing a persistent back injury. The physical aspect of fighting for the undisputed belt twice had taken its toll on him, and he needed to heal. However, the video has opened an investigation by the WBO due to the Ukrainian champion looking completely fit while dancing.

In recent years, Usyk has established himself as one of the most dominant forces in the boxing world. After unifying the cruiserweight division, he successfully transitioned to heavyweight, where he stunned the world by dethroning Anthony Joshua in 2021 and cemented his reign with a decisive rematch victory the following year.

Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in May 2024 to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. He then rematched Fury in December 2024 to shut down all critics with a unanimous decision victory. After which, he immediately started the training camp for his rematch with Dubois.

The controversy surrounding Oleksandr Usyk highlights the fine line between managing a champion’s health and maintaining the integrity of boxing’s championship structure. While his team insists that rest and recovery were necessary after years of grueling battles, the viral dancing video has cast a shadow of doubt that neither the WBO nor Joseph Parker can ignore.

Fans react to Oleksandr Usyk dancing while on injury suspension

The viral video of Usyk dancing sent shockwaves through the boxing community, igniting debate across social media platforms. Many fans expressed frustration, arguing that while they respected Usyk’s achievements in the ring, it appeared unprofessional to postpone a title defense on medical grounds while still being active enough to dance at a concert.

Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk (via Seconds Out)

However, not all reactions were negative. A large section of Usyk’s supporters defended the Ukrainian star, pointing out that light movement or dancing does not necessarily contradict having a back injury that prevents him from enduring the rigors of full-scale boxing training. Here are some fan reactions to Usyk’s dancing video:

The fallout from Oleksandr Usyk’s postponed defense against Joseph Parker shows how quickly perception can shift in boxing. A champion once celebrated for his discipline and professionalism is now under a microscope, with fans, promoters, and governing bodies questioning his every move. Whether the back injury is legitimate or not, the WBO’s demand for proof means Usyk must provide answers soon.

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