Oleksandr Usyk's rising in the drawing comparisons to Muhammad Ali. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion's recent achievements have sparked debates about his place among boxing's all-time greats.
Usyk solidified his status as a boxing legend with a knockout victory against Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their rematch. This win added to his impressive record of 24 fights without a loss, including 15 knockouts. The Ukrainian boxer has notable victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have cemented his position as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
At 38 years old, Usyk stands at 1.90m tall with a reach of 220cm. These physical attributes mirror those of Muhammad Ali, sparking discussions about the similarities between the boxing enthusiasts. Both fighters also share Olympic gold medals in their trophy cabinets - Usyk won his in London 2012, while Ali claimed victory in 1960.
The similarities don't stop there. Usyk and Ali were both undefeated on three separate occasions during their careers. Interestingly, they even share the same birth date, a coincidence that hasn't gone unnoticed by fans.
Ali's legacy in boxing is unparalleled. He was the first boxer to win the world heavyweight title three times and finished his career with 56 wins out of 61 fights, including 37 knockouts. His influence extended far beyond the ring, making him a cultural icon.
While some fans argue it's unfair to compare boxers from different eras, others can't help but notice the striking parallels between Usyk and Ali. Social media has been buzzing with statistics comparing the two fighters, fueling the ongoing debate.
Usyk's style in the ring has earned him praise as a master craftsman. He tears opponents apart with exceptional takedowns, a skill that's helped him climb the ranks of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
After his victory over Dubois, Usyk kept quiet about his future plans. He said:
"Now a well-deserved rest."
Whether or not Usyk will continue to build or surpass Ali's achievements remains to be seen. For now, the Ukrainian champion's influence on boxers worldwide with his spectacular ring prowess continues to grow, echoing the impact Ali had on the sport decades ago.
