Oleksandr Usyk has vowed to rip up Rico Verhoeven's fairytale before returning to his own Rocky story. The boxing world champion, aged 39, takes on his kickboxing counterpart tonight in front of Egypt's pyramids. This unorthodox clash signals the beginning of the Ukrainian's three-fight retirement swansong. However, while Usyk's own career is winding down, he is helping to rejuvenate that of Anthony Joshua.
From Rivals to Partners
Usyk's two victories over the British boxer ended Joshua's reign as heavyweight world champion four years ago. Now, Usyk has taken his fellow Olympic gold medalist under his wing and will be in Joshua's corner when he takes on Tyson Fury later this year. Their relationship mirrors that of Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa when the former trained his ex-rival to defeat Clubber Lang in the third instalment of the film franchise.
Usyk said: "That was a legendary movie, and me and AJ were even running on the beach together. Our idea is close to the film; once we were opponents and now we work together. AJ is a good man; he is respectful, humble, hard-working and I'm happy we have this friendship now. But this is not a movie; there is more sweat and less music."
He added: "I will help him with what I can. I’ll be there for him and I’m sure he will be there for me too. We have good energy together. Sometimes we train at the same time, sometimes side by side, sometimes we just speak, laugh and share experiences. I showed him my country and what is important to me. He was not afraid to come during the war and I respected that, I think it brought us closer. And even though I beat him twice, he has shown me dignity. Not everybody can lose, learn, and still come back to work like a champion."
Criticism and Legacy
Usyk has faced criticism for taking on Dutchman Verhoeven, 37, instead of defending his world titles against a more deserving challenger. However, he insists he has earned the right to pick his opponents. "This is not about legacy," he said. "This is thinking outside the box, it is something different. Rico is a great fighter and has done big things in his sport, just like I have in mine. This is a big show in a unique place and it is also an interesting story I'm happy to be part of. For me this is the cherry on a big cake."
