It’s not often that we see a boxer put someone else above themselves. But then again, Oleksandr Usyk is not your average boxer. The three-time undisputed champion recently appeared in an interview on Inside the Ring, where he made some surprising comments about Terence Crawford and his long-time friend and training partner, Shakur Stevenson. Usyk’s humility and respect for his fellow boxers is a refreshing change in a sport that is often filled with ego and trash talk.
During the interview, host Mike Kellerman asked Usyk about his thoughts on the pound-for-pound rankings and where he sees himself in the list. To everyone’s surprise, Usyk responded by saying, “I don’t really care about the rankings. For me, it’s not important. What matters is the respect and love of the fans. And I think Terence Crawford deserves to be at the top of the list.”
This statement is a testament to Usyk’s character and values. Despite being a highly accomplished boxer himself, Usyk doesn’t let his achievements get to his head. He understands that rankings and titles are temporary, but the love and respect of the fans are what truly matter in the long run.
Usyk’s comments about Terence Crawford are also noteworthy. Crawford is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and for Usyk to place him above himself is a sign of immense respect. Usyk acknowledged Crawford’s skills and achievements and showed that he is not threatened by someone else’s success.
But it was Usyk’s comments about his friend and training partner, Shakur Stevenson, that truly stood out. When asked about Stevenson’s potential to be a future pound-for-pound king, Usyk replied, “I believe he has all the qualities to be at the top. He has the skills, the mentality, and the heart. He just needs to keep working hard and stay focused.”
Usyk’s words of encouragement and support for Stevenson are a reflection of their strong bond as friends and training partners. Despite being in the same weight class, Usyk and Stevenson have a great relationship and have often been seen supporting each other in their fights. Usyk’s praise for Stevenson is a testament to his character and shows that he is not afraid to uplift and motivate his fellow boxers.
Stevenson himself responded to Usyk’s comments, saying, “It means a lot coming from someone like Usyk. He’s a legend in the sport, and for him to have such high praise for me is truly humbling. I will continue to work hard and make him proud.”
Usyk’s comments have sparked a debate among boxing fans about the pound-for-pound rankings and who truly deserves to be at the top. But what is more important is the message that Usyk has sent – that in a sport where trash talk and ego often take center stage, it is possible to show respect and support for fellow boxers.
Usyk’s humility and respect for his fellow boxers are qualities that should be celebrated and emulated. He has shown that being a champion is not just about winning titles and rankings, but also about being a role model and a source of inspiration for others.
As Terence Crawford announced his retirement from boxing, Usyk’s comments hold even more significance. Crawford’s retirement has left a void in the pound-for-pound rankings, but Usyk’s words have shown that he is not just a great boxer, but also a great human being.
In a sport where trash talk and ego often overshadow the true essence of boxing, Oleksandr Usyk’s comments are a breath of fresh air. He has shown that it is possible to be a champion both inside and outside the ring. Usyk’s humility, respect, and support for his fellow boxers make him a rare and exceptional individual in the world of boxing.
As fans, we can only hope that more boxers follow in Usyk’s footsteps and show the same level of respect and support for their fellow athletes. Usyk’s message is clear – in the end, it’s not about the titles and rankings, but about the love and respect of the fans and the bond between fellow boxers. And that is what truly makes a champion.