Oleksandr Usyk now has one more thing in common with Muhammad Ali after historic win

Oleksandr Usyk became the 1st undisputed heavyweight champion in the 4 belt era after defeating Tyson Fury.

Oleksandr Usyk now has one more thing in common with Muhammad Ali after historic win

Oleksandr Usyk (Via IMAGO)

Oleksandr Usyk made history when he defeated Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The Ukrainian won the fight via split decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The undisputed heavyweight championship has another thing he now has in common with Muhammad Ali. Surprisingly, Usyk shares quite a few things in common with “The Greatest.”

The fight against Fury will go down as one of the most important in the history of modern boxing. A heavyweight title unification bout after almost 25 years was something the entire boxing world looked forward to. None so than Usyk himself, who always believed he was destined for this. Self-belief seems to be another thing that the great Ali also had in abundance. In what other ways are these 2 heavyweight juggernauts similar?

Physical similarities between Oleksandr Usyk and Muhammad Ali

Many would consider Oleksandr Usyk a little smaller for a heavyweight. Rightly so, as he plied his trade as a cruiserweight for most of his amateur and professional career. After demolishing his competition and becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, the Ukrainian decided to move up to heavyweight. ‘The Cat’ has the same height (191cm) and reach (198cm) as Muhammad Ali, who is considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time.

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Muhammad Ali and Oleksandr Usyk
Muhammad Ali and Oleksandr Usyk (Via IMAGO and NY Times)

Therefore, his opponents or experts who called him small will certainly question their perceptions about him. Moreover, Usky is called ‘The Cat’ because of his speed, agility, and footwork. Likewise, Ali was renowned the world over for the ‘Ali Shuffle’ and his quick reflexes, allowing him to dodge punches while dropping his guard. Adding to this is the fact that Usyk also shares his birthday with the ‘Louisville Slugger’ making this comparison even more uncanny.

Ideological similarities between Oleksandr Usyk and Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was never afraid to stand for what he believed was right, irrespective of the consequences. This was evident on April 28, 1967, when he refused to be inducted into the US Army. A legal scandal ensued and Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title and suspended from boxing for 3 years. His rationale for refusing was simple: He didn’t have any problems with the Vietcong. However, he was almost sent to prison for this infraction. Fortunately, Ali eventually returned to boxing after 3 years and also managed to regain his heavyweight title. This further solidified his status as the greatest heavyweight champion of all time.

Oleksandr Usyk and Muhammad Ali
Oleksandr Usyk and Muhammad Ali (Via IMAGO and Ring Magazine)

On one hand, where Ali refused to bear arms, Usyk volunteered to do so. This was after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Usyk, along with fellow boxer and countryman, Vasiliy Lomachenko decided to defend their country by joining the army. The Ukrainian champion once disclosed that he was scared for his life when patrolling the streets with a machine gun. Yet, he did so because he considered his duty. Even though Ali and Usyk had different methods, they both stood up for what they believed was right. Not only did they vocalize their belief, the two did so at great personal risk.

Usyk becomes an undisputed champion just like Ali

One of the biggest achievements of Usyk’s career will undoubtedly be the fact that he is the 1st undisputed heavyweight champion of the 4 belt era. However, he was also the undisputed cruiserweight champion. He achieved this feat in only his 15th fight at the particular weight in 2018. Surprisingly, it took him less than half that time to do so at heavyweight. The Ukrainian became the undisputed champion at heavyweight in only his sixth fight. This makes his achievement even more remarkable.

Muhammad Ali vs. Cleveland Williams, Mike Tyson
Muhammad Ali vs. Cleveland Williams (image credit- The Guardian)

Similarly, Muhammad Ali was also the undisputed world champion from February 1964 to September 1964, and then again from February 1967 to April 1967. Moreover, Ali is the only boxer in the world to become a three-time heavyweight champion. Muhammad Ali left an indelible mark on the world, not just as a boxer but as a person. In a similar light, Usyk also looks destined to do the same. Their courage, both inside and outside the ring will likely inspire a generation of boxers to come.

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