Why Usyk Is Boxing’s Next Crossover Star

He has been cast in Dwayne Johnson’s new film Smashing Machine. The film is about the life of former UFC and PRIDE fighter Mark Kerr. Kerr left a mark in the sport, becoming the Pride FC Heavyweight Champion and a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion.

However, he suffered many struggles throughout his career, becoming addicted to painkillers and narcotics. Usyk will now play a part in the movie as the Ukrainian kickboxer Igor ‘Ice Cold’ Vovchanchyn. Johnson and Usyk will shoot a scene from a fight between Kerr and Vovchanchyn at PRIDE 7 in 1999. Joining such a Hollywood blockbuster will only increase his appeal. 

Usyk has a unique story that will sell well. He started boxing at 15, which is considered late. He had a very close relationship with his father. Usyk would fulfil a longtime dream of winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics. The boxer informed his father on the phone of the historic moments. Sadly, by the time Usyk had arrived to show his father the medal, he had passed away. 

Usyk’s Father

“He watched me become an Olympic champion, but I didn’t make it on time to show him the gold medal… When I arrived, he was already lying in the coffin. I handed him the medal, put it in his dead hand, and then left the roomI was on my way back from London, and I was already in Ukraine. Three more days and I would have been home, but I was waiting for a supercar to arrive. I wanted to bring it with me and show him what a cool car I had. My mum called me at 3 am and told me the news,” Usyk said

The war in Ukraine has been a big part of why Usyk wanted to perform on the biggest stage. Wladimir Klitschko was vocal about how Usyk could make a bigger impact on the boxing stage than fighting on the front lines. Usyk has managed to do that, and his success will pave the way for future stars in Ukraine to follow. He outdid Wladimir Klitschko’s achievements and will go down as the best heavyweight of his generation. 

Usyk’s Appeal

Usyk’s personality is also very warming. The boxer became known for his ‘I’m very feel’ phrase, which has become a soundbite for how he responds when asked about his mindset. During the build-up for the fight, he told Fury to his face that ‘Don’t worry, I won’t leave you alone.’ This became the mantra of the fight, as Usyk pressed the action immediately from the start of the fight. Fury simply could not keep up with the pace. 

The Ukrainian also received a hero’s welcome on his return to Ukraine. The following footage shows him swarmed by fans, who were delighted to see their countryman return as an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Usyk can be seen signing autographs and interacting with the younger fans who may be inspired to take up boxing. That popularity will only grow.