Oleksandr Usyk was dressed as a hitman at a press conference not long ago for the Fury rematch but something else stood out.
It was the attire he came in more recently, though, that people wanted to know the Ukrainian story behind. His promoter Alex Krassyuk let people into Usyk’s world among more below as regards that and more.
Speaking to IFL Usyk’s promoter said:
“Colin for IFL TV:
I’m delighted to be joined by Alex Krassyuk here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alex, how are you feeling?Alex Krassyuk:
I’m feeling pretty good, thank you very much for asking. We’ve been here for a while now, and we’re back at the same hotel and even the same room, so it feels like I never left.Colin:
Talk to me a little bit about this camp for Alexander Usyk. The stakes seem higher this time, and there’s more pressure on him, especially considering how close the decision was last time. Would you say the pressure is on him to close things out decisively?Alex Krassyuk:
It’s true there have been close decisions before, like his fights with AJ, but at the end of the day, how you win doesn’t matter—the result is what counts. Alexander isn’t under pressure because the only person who can put pressure on Usyk is Usyk himself. He’s not that type of person. He believes that whatever happens, happens for a reason. He avoids distractions and stays true to a champion’s mindset.Colin:
At the press conference in London, we saw Alexander come in dressed differently—like a “Hitman.” What was the reasoning behind that?Alex Krassyuk:
You mean the outfit he wore in the first fight? He wasn’t dressed as a Hitman; he was dressed as a “Hetman,” which refers to a Ukrainian military leader from the 17th century. He was showing pride in Ukraine, especially as the country defends itself in the current war. The spirit of brotherhood among soldiers and warriors is significant to him. He implemented that symbolism into his attire to motivate all the warriors on the front lines defending our country. I think he executed that idea brilliantly.Colin:
I want to ask about Alexander this time around. What has changed since the last fight? Are we going to see a different Alexander Usyk in the ring? For example, will he come in heavier?Alex Krassyuk:
I don’t think he’ll be any heavier—at least not in any significant way. The way he feels and carries himself might change slightly, but he treats every fight like the fight of his life. For that reason, I don’t expect him to approach this fight any differently than he has before.Colin:
In the last fight, there were moments where it looked like Alexander rocked Tyson Fury. Some people feel that if he had stepped on the gas, he might have been able to stop Tyson. Do you believe that Alexander will look to stop Fury this time?Alex Krassyuk:
As boxing fans, we all crave a knockout—it’s brutal, dramatic, and we see the opponent go down. But for Alexander, he respects Tyson. He respects all his opponents. They’re not enemies; they’re rivals—warriors like him, with families and children waiting for them. If the damage he’s already inflicted is enough to secure victory, why would he go out of his way to do more?Colin:
If Tyson Fury wins this fight, it would be 1-1. Contractually, is there a rematch clause for a trilogy fight?Alex Krassyuk:
Contractually, no. But logically, probably yes. There’s no formal agreement for a rematch, but we’re in Saudi Arabia, where His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is making fans’ dreams come true. If Tyson loses and His Excellency wants a trilogy, I don’t see any reason why it couldn’t happen.Colin:
Last time, John Fury was here, and there was a clash between the two camps on the first day. We’ve heard today that John won’t be here until Thursday. What’s your opinion on that?Alex Krassyuk:
Honestly, it doesn’t make much difference to me. Last time, there was some conflict and testosterone flying around, but I treat it very simply.Colin:
What about the guy who was involved in that clash? Is he part of Team Usyk this time?Alex Krassyuk:
He won’t be here until Monday.Colin:
So, he’s not here at all? Was that a decision you made with Alexander?Alex Krassyuk:
Yeah, he got knocked down, so he’s out of the game.Colin:
I can never tell if you’re being serious or not.Alex Krassyuk:
Neither can I.Colin:
Talk to me a little bit about Alexander’s mindset going into this fight. In your conversations with him, is he fully focused on the task at hand?Alex Krassyuk:
He’ll be fully focused on fight night, late on the 21st. Right now, he’s semi-focused. He’s doing what he needs to do—having lunch, watching a movie, drinking something alcohol-free, getting a good night’s sleep, laughing, or calling his kids. But when the time comes, he’ll be ready—100%, maybe even 200%.Colin:
We’ve seen Daniel Dubois beat Anthony Joshua, and many people want to see a Dubois rematch. What are your thoughts on that?Alex Krassyuk:
It’s too early to talk about that. First, Usyk has to win, and Dubois has to win. I think people underestimate Dubois’ opponent, and I don’t know why. The guy has great footwork. He may not be a knockout puncher, but the punches he lands are strong enough to take down any heavyweight. I wouldn’t write off our brother from New Zealand—Joseph Parker. He’s a very strong man, and I’d probably give him the advantage in this fight.Colin:
What do you make of Anthony Joshua and a potential return against Daniel Dubois this summer? Do you think AJ could win?Alex Krassyuk:
Why not? I respect AJ; he knows I love him. But only he can decide whether continuing his career is the right choice. For me, I think he’s already achieved so much—he’s been a champion, a unified champion, and he’s made a lot of noise in the heavyweight division. I think it might be the right time for him to step away from boxing and focus on other opportunities. He’s a successful, recognizable man. He could become a Hollywood star or pursue anything he wants.Colin:
I’ll leave you with a final question—how does this fight end on Saturday night? Can you give me a prediction?Alex Krassyuk:
[Laughs] No, I can’t give you a prediction. I analyze things, but I don’t predict them. For me, it’s 50/50. When it’s 50/50, the coin could land either way—you never know.Colin:
Alex Krassyuk, thank you for your time.”
One thing you have to say on Usyk and their team, they are the constant professionals throughout the journey so far.
The ultimate road warriors going from country to country battering all who got in their way thus far.
If Usyk is training for the fight of his life once more this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, that is because it is.
