It’s not often that we see a boxer put someone else’s achievements above their own. But then again, Oleksandr Usyk is not your average boxer. The three-time undisputed champion recently appeared on Inside the Ring, where he made some interesting comments about Terence Crawford and his close friend and training partner, Shakur Stevenson. Usyk’s humility and respect for his fellow boxers is a breath of fresh air in a sport that is often characterized by ego and bravado.
During the interview, host Mike Kellerman asked Usyk about his thoughts on Terence Crawford’s recent retirement from boxing. Usyk responded by saying, “I have a lot of respect for Terence Crawford. He is a great boxer and a great champion. I wish him all the best in his retirement.” This statement alone speaks volumes about Usyk’s character. Instead of gloating about his own accomplishments, he chooses to acknowledge and praise his fellow boxer.
But it was Usyk’s comments about Shakur Stevenson that truly caught everyone’s attention. When asked about Stevenson’s potential to become a pound-for-pound (P4P) champion, Usyk replied, “I believe Shakur has all the qualities to become a P4P champion. He is a talented and hardworking boxer, and I have no doubt that he will achieve great things in his career.” These words coming from a boxer of Usyk’s caliber carry a lot of weight and are a testament to Stevenson’s talent and potential.
Stevenson, who is currently undefeated in his professional career, was quick to respond to Usyk’s comments. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Stevenson said, “It means a lot to hear such kind words from someone like Usyk. He is a legend in the sport, and I have a lot of respect for him. I will continue to work hard and hopefully, one day, I can live up to his expectations.”
Usyk and Stevenson’s relationship goes beyond just being training partners. They have formed a strong bond and have been supporting each other throughout their careers. Usyk has been a mentor to Stevenson, and the young boxer has learned a lot from the Ukrainian legend. Stevenson has often credited Usyk for his success and has even said that he wants to follow in his footsteps and become an undisputed champion.
Usyk’s comments about Stevenson’s potential to become a P4P champion have only added to the young boxer’s motivation and drive to succeed. Stevenson is currently the WBO featherweight champion and has his sights set on becoming a multi-division champion, just like Usyk. With his impressive skills and determination, it’s only a matter of time before Stevenson achieves his goal.
Usyk’s humility and respect for his fellow boxers are a reflection of his upbringing and values. He comes from a humble background and has worked hard to reach the top of the boxing world. Despite his success, he remains grounded and continues to show respect and admiration for his peers. This is a quality that is often lacking in the world of boxing, and Usyk serves as a role model for young boxers.
In a sport where trash-talking and showboating are often seen as necessary to gain attention, Usyk’s approach is refreshing. He lets his skills and hard work do the talking for him. His comments about Crawford and Stevenson show that he is not just a great boxer, but also a great human being.
As Usyk prepares for his upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua, he continues to inspire and motivate not just his fellow boxers, but also his fans. His humility and respect for others make him a true champion, both inside and outside the ring. And as for Stevenson, he has a great mentor and friend in Usyk, who will undoubtedly continue to support and guide him towards greatness.
