All the Iconic Pre-Fight Looks of Boxing Legend Oleksandr Usyk

Born in Simferopol, Crimea, Oleksandr Usyk’s path to greatness began not in boxing but on the football field, where he dreamed of a professional career. However, at the age of 15, he discovered his true calling in the boxing ring.

Usyk has since achieved what few in the sport can claim—unifying titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. From winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics to toppling heavyweight giants like Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, Usyk’s legacy as one of boxing’s modern legends is indisputable.

Read more

Category

Culture

Who is Oleksandr Usyk, the Cossack from Crimea Who Became One of the Greatest Boxers in the World?

Dec 17, 2024 17:10

Usyk’s uniqueness extends outside the ring. His pre-fight appearances are a performance of their own—purposeful, bold, and often rooted in tradition. Whether he embodies the spirit of a Cossack, breaks into a traditional hopak dance, or dons eccentric costumes, Usyk turns every pre-fight moment into a statement, each as meticulously calculated as his strategy in the ring.

As Usyk prepares for his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21—a fight set to define the modern heavyweight era—his ability to capture attention outside the ropes becomes as significant as his skills within them. Let’s look closer at the imagery and symbolism behind Usyk’s unforgettable pre-fight personas.

The Joker-Bane persona

Ahead of his 2021 bout with Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk stepped into the spotlight at a press conference in London dressed as the Joker—a nod to the 2019 film starring Joaquin Phoenix. While unconventional for the traditionally stoic world of boxing, this move was emblematic of Usyk’s flair for blending showmanship with calculated psychological tactics.

The choice of costume wasn’t random. Usyk’s bright red suit mirrored Phoenix’s portrayal of the iconic character but with a twist. He paired it with a mask resembling that of Bane, another infamous villain from the DC Comics universe. This subtle addition hinted at Usyk’s own attributes: intellect and resilience, qualities often associated with Bane.

His Joker moment captivated audiences, and the subsequent bouts with Joshua cemented his place as one of the greatest heavyweights of his generation, with Usyk emerging victorious in both fights.

The Cossack persona

In the lead-up to his 2022 rematch with Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk made yet another striking entrance at the final press conference. This time, he chose to embrace a deeply symbolic Cossack  image, an embodiment of Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage.

Usyk’s appearance in a traditional Cossack costume, complete with the iconic oseledets , was not only a nod to his roots but also a powerful statement of national pride.

The Cossacks hold a significant place in Ukrainian history, representing freedom, strength, and an unwavering sense of identity. Once warriors defending the borders of Ukraine, they are now celebrated as symbols of the country’s independence and cultural resilience.

The details of his attire were carefully chosen to highlight the traditional Cossack look: Usyk wore a vyshyvanka  and kuntush , a garment worn by the Cossack elite. These elements, combined with the distinctive Cossack mustache, brought a sense of historical continuity to the modern sports arena, connecting the past with the present.

In addition to his striking appearance, Usyk’s performance extended to the realm of music. At the press conference, he took the opportunity to sing “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna” (“Oh, in the meadow a red kalyna has bent down low”).

“Oi u luzi chervona kalyna” is a historic Ukrainian song, originally written in the early 20th century. It became a symbol of resistance after Andriy Khlyvnyuk of “Boombox ” performed it in Kyiv during the Russian invasion. The song has since been embraced by Ukrainians worldwide, representing resilience and unity.

Crimean Tatar embroidery: A tribute to heritage

Ahead of his highly anticipated world title unification fight against Tyson Fury, which took place in May 2024, Oleksandr Usyk made a powerful statement with his attire at the final press conference.

Usyk, a native of Crimea, appeared wearing a pristine white suit adorned with black Crimean Tatar embroidery, sending a clear message of pride in his heritage.

The design was verified by ornament specialist Rustem Skibin , who confirmed that the embroidery was indeed Crimean Tatar in origin. This culturally significant choice of attire came just ahead of the press conference, where Usyk stood face to face with his opponent, Fury.

The suit, crafted by the Ukrainian brand Damirli, featured intricate vertical patterns along the chest and arms, blending traditional artistry with contemporary fashion.

Usyk’s decision to wear this suit was particularly significant given the timing—it coincided with Ukraine’s annual Vyshyvanka Day, a celebration of traditional Ukrainian embroidery.

Channeling the Spirit of a Cossack Ataman

Before his historic fight against Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk entered the ring in a distinctive and symbolic attire that paid homage to Ukraine’s warrior heritage.

The boxer wore a green caftan  adorned with a fur collar, complemented by a hat featuring feathers and gloves in the national colors of Ukraine, blue and yellow.

On the back of his costume, the word “Polissya” was prominently displayed, referencing the Ukrainian football club that Usyk signed with in the summer of 2023. The club humorously acknowledged the appearance on their Telegram channel, joking that the “forward of FC Polissya had just unveiled the new kit for the 2024/2025 season.”

Usyk’s promoter, Oleksandr Krasiuk, explained the deeper meaning of the costume, saying, “Usyk is the embodiment of a Cossack warrior, and this culture is deeply rooted in his heart. It’s not just about the outfit; it reflects his mindset.”

Krasiuk further emphasized that the costume, inspired by the imagery of Ukrainian military leaders, was meant to resonate with Ukraine’s proud history of resistance and independence.

In a thrilling battle, Usyk claimed victory, making history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-title era (WBA, WBO, IBF, WBC). He successfully defended his WBA, WBO, and IBF belts while capturing Fury’s WBC title.

Usyk controlled the fight with precise attacks, breaking Fury’s nose and dominating the later rounds. Fury had moments of resistance, but Usyk’s consistent pressure earned him a split decision victory, solidifying his place in boxing history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the modern four-title era.

Channeling Hitman

The first press conference for the highly anticipated rematch between Usyk and Fury took place, in London on October 23, 2024. Usyk arrived at the event with a striking new look: he was clean-shaven, dressed in a black suit with a red tie, black gloves, and holding a leather briefcase.

It didn’t take long for gaming enthusiasts to notice a striking resemblance to Agent 47, the iconic protagonist from the Hitman video game series, a genetically engineered assassin known for his precision and cold-blooded demeanor.

During the press conference, Usyk pulled out a photograph from the briefcase—an image from his previous fight with Fury, which he had Tyson sign. Usyk mentioned that he planned to sell the signed photo at auction, with all proceeds going to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Agent 47, or Hitman, is a fictional character created through genetic engineering, designed to be the perfect assassin. Known for his cold demeanor, discipline, and tactical foresight, he stands out as a master of strategic planning.

The character’s most notable feature is the barcode tattooed on the back of his head, symbolizing his status as the 47th successful clone. In the Hitman movie adaptation, Agent 47 is tasked with eliminating a Russian president named Mikhail Belykov, a task he successfully completes.

Usyk, much like the character, exudes a sense of calm precision, and his approach to boxing mirrors the cold, calculating nature of Agent 47. When asked about his motivations before the fight, Usyk was succinct: “My routine, my concentration—this is my motivation.” This focus and clarity of purpose seem to align with the traits of his fictional counterpart.

The official Hitman movie account took notice of Usyk’s appearance, acknowledging the resemblance between the boxer and the character. The film’s social media praised Usyk for channeling Agent 47 with “style.”

For Usyk, the choice of the Hitman character was more than just a costume or a playful nod. As he explained: “It’s just my character, but it’s more than that. It’s my mission as an athlete and a boxer.” Usyk’s dedication to the sport and his disciplined approach to his training and career are reflected in his embrace of the Agent 47 persona.

Usyk’s grand entrance and what’s next

On December 17, 2024, the official arrival ceremony in Saudi Arabia for Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury captured attention from fans and the media alike. While Fury, the challenger, made headlines with his boastful promises to knock out Usyk, it was the Ukrainian champion’s outfit that truly stole the show.

Usyk wore a double-breasted suit with an elongated, loose fit that added a unique touch to the classic style. Underneath, he wore a white shirt without a tie, maintaining a minimalist yet elegant look.

What really set Usyk’s appearance apart, however, was the accessory he wore over his shoulder—a white fur draped with the head of a tigress—giving his look a regal and commanding quality, almost like a military or royal uniform.

The combination of the sharp suit and bold fur accentuated Usyk’s confidence, status, and personality, leaving fans and onlookers in awe of his bold fashion statement.

According to his promoter, Krasiuk, Usyk plans a memorable entrance for his rematch with Fury: “This time, Usyk’s entrance to the ring will be special. Believe me, it’s always like that. Usyk can’t just step into the ring like any other athlete. He always uses the opportunity to show something unique, to send a message to the world, and he will do that again.”

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk is a UNITED24 ambassador and actively contributes to projects to rebuild Ukraine, particularly in the Kyiv region. If you would like to donate to the causes supported by Usyk, please visit the official UNITED24 website.