According to the coach, the Ukrainian is an incredible professional
James Ali Bashirformer trainer of the WBO/WBA/IBO/WBC heavyweight champion Alexandra Usikabelieves that the Ukrainian has a unique gift and talent.
“He’s an absolute professional. He’s one of the most unique guys I’ve trained in my career as a boxing coach. People say, ‘Why are you praising Usyk so much?’ I give credit where credit is due.”
“This guy is good, he’s great, and I kept telling everyone that. And now everyone is calling me and telling me I was right. Of course I’m right. I know my business, I understand it, and I know unique talent when I see it. And if I ever worked with a unique talent, it was Oleksandr Usyk.”
On the night of May 19, Usyk inflicted the first defeat of Tyson Fury’s professional career in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The victory was awarded to the Ukrainian by a split decision of the judges: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
Alexander became the first absolute heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. In the heavyweight division, the last time the absolute title was held was by Lennox Lewis in 1999, but back then three titles were enough to win the title.
Usyk subsequently issued a statement in which he announced that he would give the IBF belt to the winner of the British derby between his two former opponents in the ring – Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua.. Thus, Alexander lost the status of absolute world champion in heavyweight, which he held for more than a month.
Usyk and Fury have reached an agreement for a rematch. The “Gypsy King” has officially activated the rematch option. The second fight between Alexander and Tyson will take place on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said he would seek the introduction of video replays in this fight.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
