20 Jan

Oleksandr Usyk: "I Lost My First Fight"

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), who holds the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO titles, reflected on his first fight and his first tournament victory.

Do you remember your first win in competition? How did you feel back then?

I lost my first fight, and it was really tough. I thought I couldn’t become a good boxer. But my father told me, ‘Don’t worry, try again.’

Two months later, I won my first local tournament. It was a small victory, but I got a medal and a diploma. I was so happy! My father bought a cake, and we celebrated at home with my mother. We didn’t eat cake often, but that day was a special celebration.

How do you feel now when you win? Is it the same as when you won for the first time?

Yes, it’s the same. Every victory feels like something new. Every fight is hard work, and when you win, it’s an incredible feeling. For me, every victory is like the first time.

Many fighters say that after big fights, they feel not joy but relief that they didn’t lose. Does that resonate with you?

No, that’s not about me. For me, every victory is genuine joy. I don’t think about losing—I focus on my work. Every fight and every win brings new emotions, and I truly enjoy them.

Support