Oleksandr Usyk Responds to Age Criticism: "I Would Invite Skeptics to Training"

Ahead of his 39th birthday, three-division undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk commented on experts' doubts regarding his age and physical state. The Ukrainian boxer explained his attitude toward the numbers in his passport and suggested that critics test his form in practice.

In an exclusive interview for Ready To Fight, Usyk answered questions about his age and his work on physical readiness.

– Oleksandr, your age is one of the topics actively discussed in the boxing world. Previously, before the Tyson Fury fight, your physical characteristics were discussed similarly. You said a cult phrase back then: “If size mattered, the elephant would be the king of the jungle.” What is your response to the skeptics regarding your age?

– I would invite the skeptics to train with me. Just for one training session. Look, age is just a number. If you treat your body with respect, care for it, train, eat properly, recover, and go to bed on time, then the numbers don’t matter.

– If we look at your life not from a boxer's perspective, but simply as a human: have you already realized all your dreams?

– I had dreams when I was a teenager. Now I simply have a path that I am walking. Have I achieved everything? No, of course not; I am still on the path of realizing my ideas and the ideas of my team. My journey continues as long as the Lord allows me to wake up in the morning and gives me breath.

– On New Year's, people often make promises to change something. Did you make any promise to yourself for the coming year?

– No, I don't wait for a specific date to start something. I started many years ago and I simply keep moving. When I want to do something new or learn something new, I start doing it immediately, without waiting for Monday, a new month, or a new year.

Usyk last entered the ring in 2025, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the 5th round of their rematch. This victory secured his status as a three-division undisputed champion and a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Usyk is the first two-time undisputed champion in the heavyweight division in the four-belt era.