Coach to Usyk: "Seems Like You Won't Come to the Next Training"

Ukrainian world champion in the heavyweight division (over 90.7 kg) by WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO versions, Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), shared how he got into boxing and his journey that culminated in not being able to show his Olympic gold medal to his father.

"I played football and various sports, but I didn't have the money to pay, so I went into boxing. I got hit hard in the face. When I asked the coach, 'When's the next training?' he said mockingly, 'It seems like you won't come to the next training.'

I showed up the next day, first at the gym, which was still closed, standing outside waiting my turn. I didn't know where I would end up. I knew I needed to work. I saw it in my dreams. I imagined walking out into a big stadium. I saw the spotlights shining when they said 'Usyk.' I joined the Ukrainian national team for the first time in 2006, when I was 19 years old. My boxing career started climbing. I record every fight, remember most of my bouts.

My father said I would make it. He saw that I became an Olympic champion, but I couldn't get to him with the gold medal in time. When I arrived, he was already lying in a wooden box. I just pulled it out of my bag, placed it on his hand, his dead hand held it, and I walked out of the room. Sometimes he comes the day before a fight and smiles. They say men don't cry—men cry with strong tears. Such strong, strong tears. It's been an incredible journey," said Usyk.

The fight for the title of undisputed world champion in the heavyweight division will take place on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.