Russian heavyweight boxer Artem Suslenkov has challenged Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk to a fight, posting a message on Instagram alongside a photograph of himself in military uniform holding a rifle.
The 30-year-old, who was born in Volgograd, told Usyk he would get to him either in the ring or in the field, and said there had been enough loud words. He said that if they were both boxers, they should settle everything in the ring, without politics, slogans or unnecessary talk.
Suslenkov called on anyone bold and decisive enough to organise the bout to make it happen and write their name into boxing history, adding that he was ready and that it was now up to Usyk to respond.
Suslenkov's boxing record
Suslenkov's most recent fight came in July, when he beat British boxer Joe Joyce by technical knockout in the 11th round. Despite that win, the Russian has no major victories over top-ranked opposition in his career.
This is not the first time Suslenkov has tried to raise his profile by targeting Usyk. In 2025 he said he was ready to give what he called a masterclass in retiring the famous and widely loved Usyk. Usyk did not respond to those comments either.
Social media reaction
Suslenkov's latest challenge was mocked by social media users. Commenters asked who the Russian fool was and joked that he had probably switched on a VPN to post it, while others simply called him a clown.
Usyk's other fight plans
Oleksandr Usyk is a unified former undisputed heavyweight champion widely regarded as one of the leading boxers of his generation. Separately, British boxer Tyson Fury has challenged Usyk to a third fight between the two, saying his own proposed bout with Anthony Joshua was unlikely to happen. Fury proposed a rematch with Usyk in November. Usyk has not commented on the offer, though he reposted Fury's statement to his Instagram stories.
Serhii Lapin, director of Usyk's team, has said Usyk is planning to fight American Deontay Wilder in March 2027 in the United States. Usyk's last fight took place in May 2026, when, holding undisputed champion status, he beat Dutch fighter Rico Verhoeven early. Usyk then chose to give up his WBC, WBA and IBF belts. It has been suggested that the fight with Wilder could be the last of his career.
