Will Usyk Appear At The Oscars?

Oleksandr Usyk may soon find himself walking the red carpet at the Oscars following the strong critical acclaim for his new film, The Smashing Machine. 

Usyk starred alongside Dwyanye Johnson, who played former MMA fighter Mark Kerr, in his film debut. Emily Blunt also co-starred as Kerr’s wife, as the movie was well received at the Venice Film Festival. Johnson is being tipped for an Oscar nomination, while Usyk could be invited after playing Ukrainian fighter Igor Vovchanchyn. The film is set to open in cinemas worldwide on October 3.

“Johnson gives a performance of immense pathos, intensity and depth – one that looks bound to win him awards recognition,” Geoffrey Macnab said

It has been a remarkable period for Usyk of late. He stopped Daniel Dubois in July to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was the second time he had achieved this at the weight class. However, his next fight is uncertain after he received a 90-day extension by the WBO to negotiate his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. The extension was requested due to a back injury. But outside of boxing, Usyk has plenty to keep himself occupied as he admitted that his current reason for boxing is just discipline.

“I don’t have motivation. I have discipline. This is why I am champion. I believe this with all my heart. It carries me through the ring, through life, through every challenge. “This is why I stand. Carry this with you,” Usyk said