Oleksandr Usyk Admits To Copying His Fighting Style From British Boxing Legend
Ukrainian Boxing Sensation Reveals Surprising Inspiration Behind His Unique Style
Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian southpaw renowned for his exceptional talent in the boxing ring, has a rare confluence of skills. His athleticism, sharp reactions, dancer-like footwork, and chess-master IQ make him one of the most complete fighters in the sport today. With a big heart and unshakable mentality, Usyk has come back from grueling rounds against the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to secure victories.
A theoretical pound-for-pound king, Usyk has proven himself with an impressive list of accolades: Olympic gold medalist, undisputed cruiserweight champion, and most recently, undisputed heavyweight ruler—a feat only achieved by Evander Holyfield before him, though not during the four-belt era.
In an interview with TNT Sports Boxing, Usyk revealed a surprising source of inspiration behind his unique fighting style. Despite his innovative approach, Usyk admitted to mimicking the moves of British legend and former featherweight champion ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed during his amateur days.
“When we were amateurs, we copied his [Naseem Hamed] movements. And we were under pressure in the gym because we were not allowed to do so. They were telling us that it looked like we were losing our concentration, and our focus, like we were out of control. But I kept doing it, even during competitions,” Usyk shared.
Prince Naseem Hamed, known for his unorthodox style, famous showboating, and lavish ring walks, was a thrilling fighter to watch. Usyk’s playful side is also evident through his unique training techniques and love of dancing, often showcased online.
On December 21, Usyk will need to be fully focused as he defends his world titles and lineal status against Tyson Fury, following their first fight in May which Usyk won by split decision.
