Oleksandr Usyk reveals what went down in THAT sixth round against Tyson Fury, why his mum wants him to quit boxing… and why he’s playing with a Europa Conference League team

When Oleksandr Usyk invites me to join him for training, it’s usually in a boxing gym, surrounded by heavy bags and sparring partners. But this time, it was different. In Katowice, a Polish city miles from Kyiv, Usyk traded his gloves for football boots, joining Polissya Football Club’s final session before their Europa Conference League qualifier against Olympia

Usyk’s love for football is no secret. “When I was younger, I always supported Manchester United,” Usyk shared after training. He admired the likes of Gary Neville, David Beckham, and other football legends. “But in terms of my favorite footballers, I looked up to Andriy Shevchenko, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Ronaldo—the old one with the teeth.” Usyk’s admiration extends to modern greats like Messi and the other Ronaldo as well.

Despite his success in the boxing world, Usyk finds solace on the football field. After his monumental win against Tyson Fury in May, Usyk chose a quiet celebration. “I just had a quiet dinner with my family and spent time playing football—I haven’t even really thought about being undisputed,” he said, downplaying the significance of becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999.

Usyk may downplay his achievements, but he’s under no illusions about the challenge Fury presented. He admitted that it was the toughest fight of his career, a battle that tested him like never before. “The bout with Fury takes first place in terms of the hardest fight I have had,” Usyk reflected. The fight left a lasting impression on him, one that he documented meticulously in his journal.

After every fight, Usyk writes down his thoughts and reflections. “I like to make notes immediately after my fights in order to read them and see my growth,” Usyk explained. These notes aren’t just for him—they’re a legacy for his children, a way for them to understand the man behind the gloves and the role they played in his journey.

Before he could pen his thoughts, Usyk had to deal with the towering presence of Fury. He knew that to win, he had to flip the script from the start. Usyk executed a planned action, landing powerful left-handers early in the fight to establish his dominance. “It was necessary to immediately show him who the boss was in the ring,” Usyk stated. This strategic approach was a result of nine months of preparation, and it paid off.

Despite his victory, Usyk is not keen on rematches. However, he acknowledges the possibility. “When we beat Fury for the second time and when Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois, they will want to do a third fight. Will I do it? Of course,” Usyk admitted. He feels a sense of obligation, especially to Joshua, who gave him two incredible fights.

Usyk’s respect for Anthony Joshua is clear. Despite their intense battles, Usyk recognizes Joshua’s psychological improvements and the challenges he brought to the ring. Their first bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Usyk outclass Joshua, and the rematch, though more aggressive from Joshua, still ended in Usyk’s favor.

As Usyk looks ahead, he is also focused on a broader mission—cleaning up Olympic boxing. He and his “Ready to Fight” team are committed to confronting corruption in the sport. “Boxing needs to change,” Usyk asserted. He is dedicated to making Olympic boxing transparent, with fair judging and honest teams, but acknowledges that this will take time—a luxury they don’t have.

Oleksandr Usyk’s journey is far from over. Whether it’s on the football field or in the boxing ring, he continues to challenge himself and the sport. His reflections on his career, his respect for his opponents, and his commitment to clean boxing showcase a champion who is not only focused on victory but on leaving a lasting legacy.