Big Interview with Usyk: Retirement, Rolls-Royce, and a Movie with The Rock

Ukrainian WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs), during his visit to the UK, spoke with local media and answered their questions.

First Undisputed Heavyweight Champion in 25 Years – How Does It Feel?

"I am very happy. It feels great. 25 years! It was a big fight because Tyson Fury is a great fighter. I’m happy."

The UK Provided Many Opportunities

"I like London, I like the UK because this country gave me many opportunities. I became the European champion in Liverpool, won Olympic gold in London. I am happy when I am in London. I wouldn't want to live here, but I am happy to come for a weekend. Bad weather? For me, it’s good weather. If you have a jacket, it’s all good. When it rains, I feel at home. I watch TV, movies, my family is with me, I drink black tea with honey. I remember when I was preparing in Dubai for the second fight with Joshua, it was +45 degrees. But when it’s rainy and cool here, it’s like paradise."

Ukraine, War, and the Terrorist-Attacked “Ohmatdyt” Hospital

"We work with Ohmatdyt. My team and my foundation. We help Ukrainian people. It’s very scary because there were dead people, children. This is not military infrastructure, just medical. I don’t understand why it was targeted. These are people. These are children. I saw it. It’s hard for me. I do what I can. I pray for peace every day. All the time. Not just in the morning, not just in the evening. I say, 'Please, God, help my country, my people. Yes, I know we are all fools. All people. But I beg, for the sake of the children.'"

Movie with Dwayne Johnson

"It was my childhood dream. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) is an amazing person. Everyone there was amazing, professional, and polite. It’s not a sad movie because movies are about emotions."

How Did It Feel the Last Time He Lost and Does He Remember It?

"Yes, I remember. I felt rage. Because, in my opinion, I didn’t lose. The judges helped my opponent. That’s my opinion. But a few days after the fight, I prayed, rested, and said, 'Thank you. Yes, I lost, but you gave me this opportunity.' I accept it, no problem. Thank you very much." This was at the 2009 World Championships in Milan. I remember all my losses and victories."

Did He Buy the Rolls Royce Spectre After the Fury Win as Planned?

"No. I’m still thinking if I need it. It’s a very expensive car, but I thought maybe I should invest that money in business or save it for my children’s education. I have cars. Not just one, many cars. I want it, but I’m still thinking. If I were alone – no problem. But I have four kids, a wife, a big family, a mother."

After the Fury Fight, His Mother Asked if He Would Retire

"My mother said, 'Enough?' I replied, 'No.' – 'Why? You’ve won everything.' – 'Yes, but our contract has a rematch clause.' Listen, my mother doesn’t understand English. Mom, I love you! I will continue boxing. Because I love boxing. I feel that I have strength. This is my life. My wife told me, 'I know you will never stop boxing, you will keep training, fighting.' I said, 'Yes, I know. This is my life, I will continue boxing.'"

The Phrase “I Won’t Leave You Alone” Directed at Fury. What Does It Mean?

"A hint at aggressive tactics and pursuing Fury in the ring? Yes, correct. And in the rematch, Tyson, don’t be afraid, I won’t leave you alone."

Plans After the Rematch with Fury: MMA and Bare-Knuckle Fights

"I don’t know, maybe. My team is working on it. It’s interesting. Why not? UFC? Why not? McGregor, let’s go. I’m ready to fight."

About the Inhaler Rumor Allegedly Given to Him by His Trainer After Round 7

"These are stupid people. Listen, I have never taken any banned substances. I am clean. The cross is my doping. My faith is my doping. Jesus is my doping. My family, my team, my country – that’s my doping. Enough."

On Fury’s Knockdown in Round 9

"At the end of that episode, when I was preparing the left punch, the referee pushed me away saying, 'Stop.' I said, 'Okay.' But he started counting: 'One, two, three...'. Now, it doesn’t matter to me. I won. Thanks to God. Now it’s just talk: 'The referee is good, the referee is bad.' No, the referee is a professional. Maybe he helped Tyson because that punch could have been the last and bad. It's okay."

How Many Rounds Did He Win in the Fight with Fury?

"Seven. Yes, seven."

Was His Jaw Broken?

"That’s nonsense. People talk nonsense. You saw after the fight we came to the press conference, I was talking, no problem. How is that possible with a broken jaw? Yes, I was in the hospital after the fight because I had a cut. My face hurt, my back hurt, my legs and fists hurt. I was injured, but so was Tyson. We scanned my head, brain, looked at the results, the doctor said everything is fine. But listen, after the fight you go to the hospital because this is professional boxing. If the doctor doesn’t send you to the hospital after the fight, he’s a bad doctor. Do you think many go to a restaurant or bar to drink after the fight? Listen. You fight 12 rounds, 47 minutes, take hits, and then go drink? That will kill you."

Favorite for the Joshua vs. Dubois Fight

"My favorite is Anthony Joshua. I’m a bad predictor, but I’ll side with Anthony Joshua."

Favorite for the Joyce vs. Chisora Fight

"I want Chisora to win."

Why Does He Still Have Many Fans in the UK Despite Beating All Top British Boxers?

"I love British fans because many understand boxing, football, and sports in general. They understand. Not just 'I love boxing, I’ll go watch boxing.' No, many people understand. Maybe they go to the gym, do boxing, kickboxing, UFC, football, sports in general. I have a big history with British fighters: Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, twice Joshua, Tyson Fury, Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois. We have a Ukraine-Britain rivalry, but I love British fans and this country. It’s just sport. I talk to my opponents: Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua. I respect these guys. Maybe after the rematch, we’ll talk with Tyson Fury. Joe Joyce and I message each other, congratulate each other. Yes, they are my opponents, but we are friends."

Best British Fighters by Specific Qualities

"Punching Power: Derek Chisora

Speed: Tony Bellew

Defense: Tyson Fury

Footwork: Tony Bellew

Boxing IQ: Tyson Fury

Easiest Fight: Joe Joyce

Toughest Fight: Tyson Fury"

Thoughts on the Boxing League Planned by Turki Alalshikh

"I don’t think about it. I’m just waiting because it’s a great idea. I think it will be a good project because there will be one champion. Not four belts. There will be one belt. An undisputed champion. One champion."

Message to the Fans

"I love you, my fans. Thank you."