Ukrainian Boxer Oleksandr Usyk to Star in Hollywood Movie “The Smashing Machine”

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will star alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the upcoming Hollywood biopic, “The Smashing Machine.”

The film, directed and written by Benny Safdie of “Uncut Gems” fame, will tell the story of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, with Usyk portraying Ukrainian MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn, a notable opponent of Kerr’s.

The cast also features award-winning actress Emily Blunt, known for her role in “Oppenheimer.”

Usyk’s star continues to rise, as he recently became the undisputed heavyweight world champion on May 18, 2024, after defeating Tyson Fury. This victory propelled him to the top of ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings.