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.