Alexander Krassyuk’s Unique Experience
On July 19, Alexander Krassyuk, the promoter closely associated with Oleksandr Usyk for many years, experienced a unique moment while watching the heavyweight champion in action. Instead of being at ringside for the highly anticipated rematch against Daniel Dubois at Wembley, he found himself cheering from a sports bar, where he witnessed Usyk achieve one of the most remarkable victories of his career.
Bittersweet Reflections
In an interview with World Boxing News, Krassyuk expressed a bittersweet mix of emotions, reflecting on how much he wished he could have been closer to the action during what turned out to be Usyk’s quickest and most devastating knockout to date.
“We should have split earlier. As soon as I left, you performed the fastest and hardest KO of your career!”
Despite no longer being part of Usyk’s team in a professional capacity, Krassyuk remains deeply invested in the fighter’s journey and success. Watching from afar, he admitted that experiencing the fight in a crowded bar felt strange yet offered him enjoyment as he watched his protégé dominate.
Usyk’s Dominance in the Ring
The National Stadium buzzed with energy as Usyk decisively concluded his rivalry with Dubois. From the start, the unified heavyweight champion exhibited exceptional skill, demonstrating precise targeting and unyielding pressure. Having survived a controversial low-blow in their previous encounter, Usyk this time left no room for doubt.
After establishing control through the early rounds, Usyk picked up the pace in the fifth round, landing a perfectly timed left hook that sent Dubois to the canvas, delivering one of the most stunning finishes of Usyk’s boxing career. This victory marked Usyk’s record improvement to 24 wins and solidified his status as a leading force in the heavyweight division.
Krassyuk’s Apprehensions and Insights
Before the match, Krassyuk had voiced significant apprehensions about how the fight might unfold. However, all his fears vanished the moment he caught a glimpse of Usyk’s eyes on the screen just prior to the fight, which reassured him of the champion’s readiness. He recalled:
“I must admit that I did not make any public forecasts, as I had very bad feelings about the result. But as soon as I saw his eyes on the screen before the walk-in, my doubts were dispelled. It was killer mode,”
he remarked with pride.
Looking Ahead
Now, although Krassyuk may no longer play a direct role in Usyk’s camp, he hinted that there might still be some intriguing narratives left in what he considers to be Usyk’s illustrious career. As for the future, Krassyuk maintains that it may be time for the legendary three-time undisputed champion to consider stepping away from the ring altogether, signaling a pivotal moment in a storied career.
About the Author
Phil Jay has spent over 15 years immersed in the boxing world, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. He has covered major boxing events worldwide and has interviewed numerous world champions throughout his esteemed journalism career.