logo
The essence of Usyk: motivation and discipline key to Dubois destruction

The essence of Usyk: motivation and discipline key to Dubois destruction

The Guardian3 days ago
Just before midnight on Saturday, in the depths of Wembley Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk stroked his moustache as he listened to a question arising from his magisterial destruction of Daniel Dubois. The 38-year-old Ukrainian had once again become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world after a performance filled with light, panache and a kind of battering precision that had normally sober ringside observers reaching for words such as 'genius' and 'magician'.
In the wake of such savage alchemy, someone asked Usyk a question that made his face light up again. After all he had done, and with almost desperate speculation as to who might be able to challenge him now, how did Usyk find the motivation to keep fighting? 'Oh, listen, bro,' he said, as he made a distinction crucial to any clear understanding of his extraordinary achievements in and out of the ring, 'I don't have motivation. I have discipline. Motivation? It's temporary. Today, for example, you have motivation. But tomorrow you wake up early and you don't have motivation.'
He flashed his familiar gap‑toothed grin. 'When I wake up early for training I never have motivation. I have only discipline. Motivation is needed only for amateur sportsmen – not for professional boxers. Amateur boxers might only work three times in a week. They say: 'Oh, but today I don't have motivation for training.' Uh-uh. No, bro. Motivation is good but discipline is better.'
Those seven little words reveal the essence of Usyk. His brilliance is rooted in iron discipline. In a similar way he is not always motivated to speak about death and grief in Ukraine as the bombs fall and the body count rises. Usyk once told me that he wished I had interviewed him long before the war with Russia. 'I'm a really funny guy,' he said. 'I love to laugh and to dance. But it's not possible when we need to talk about what Russia is trying to do to Ukraine. We need to be focused and disciplined in telling the world the truth.'
Usyk did not really want to come out and talk after the intensity of his display against Dubois. His manager, Egis Klimas, urged us to keep the post-fight conversation short and to avoid repetitive questions. Usyk wanted to be with his wife after being separated from her and their four children for 14 long weeks.
But the champion, as always, brought discipline and decency to his press conference. He listened closely, kept saying 'good question' and, even in his halting English, produced a depth of thought that does not always illuminate such encounters. 'Boxers only have three punches. It's the jab, the hook and the uppercut,' he said as he demonstrated each one to us. 'But combinations take a long time [to master].'
He explained how the shimmering combination that dropped Dubois in round five meant his stricken rival was open for the final shuddering overhand left that ended the fight. It came from the lessons they had learned during his previous victory against Dubois in August 2023: 'We learn from the first fight and we had a long time – two years. We prepare combinations.'
Usyk imitated the last clubbing blow that had left Dubois sprawled across the canvas. 'It's a punch we named Ivan. The left hook is like this …' He offered up a textbook punch before reverting to the roundhouse smash which closed the show. 'That is Ivan!' he exclaimed. 'It's a Ukrainian name. Ivan is like a big guy who lives in the village and works on a farm. A really big guy!' Usyk puffed himself up to look like a hulking Ukrainian farmer. 'What is your name?' he asked himself. Using a low growl, Usyk replied in the voice of the imagined farmer: 'My name is Ivan.' The boxer grinned helplessly. 'Yeah, it's a hard, hard punch.'
Usyk was pressed on who he may fight next. 'Now I want to rest. I cannot say who my next opponent will be. I prepare for three and a half months. I don't see my family, my wife. Every day I live with my team, with 14 guys, in one house [he laughed again in mock despair]. Every day only the same faces. Now I want to go back home.'
Sign up to The Recap
The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action
after newsletter promotion
Joseph Parker: This is the most logical next bout for Usyk as Parker, apart from being the WBO's mandatory challenger, is in a rich vein of form. He deserves another world title shot and, while he would be a heavy underdog, his brilliant trainer Andy Lee is the one man in boxing who might just have the intelligence to ask a few fresh questions of Usyk.
Derek Chisora: It is a curious anomaly that a relatively crude brawler like Chisora, who should have retired years ago, has been the only heavyweight to make Usyk look uncomfortable. When they met in 2020 it was only Usky's second fight as a heavyweight and he found Chisora's maundering pressure initially hard to handle. Two of the three judges had Usyk winning by an extremely tight 115-113 margin. But we should shudder to think what Usyk might do to the battered veteran in a rematch.
Tyson Fury: There is little doubt that Fury is the most skilful and toughest opponent Usyk has faced. Their first fight, in May 2024, was a classic and the rematch seven months later was another gruelling battle. Usyk won both and Fury, claiming to have been robbed, retreated into retirement. But, inevitably, The Gypsy King is already talking of a comeback and, on Saturday, he said: 'Oleksandr Usyk knows there is only one man who can beat him. I did it twice before. I am the man and, no matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights.'
Jake Paul, the former YouTuber, had climbed into the ring an hour earlier and come face-to-face with Usyk. The master cackled again at the surreal certainty that he would pick apart a boxing novice as easily as a small boy might separate a butterfly from its wings. 'I'm ready for Jake Paul,' he joked, 'but I need to rest.'
Usyk discussed his faith and the transient nature of life, then paid tribute to Britain, which he described as his 'second home' as he has won so many of his greatest fights in this country – from Olympic gold to becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time at Wembley. 'I'm very grateful for this country,' he said, with characteristic charm. 'Thank you so much.'
Discipline shone out of Usyk as he raised his arms and then lowered his head in a respectful bow before, as if in a puff of magic, he disappeared into the dark and rainy night.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Red Roses announce squad
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Red Roses announce squad

BBC News

time14 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Red Roses announce squad

England have announced who will be representing the country at the Women's Rugby World Cup tournament is being held in England this year, so it's a huge moment for the members of the squad,.Scrum Half Natash 'Mo' Hunt has been included in the squad after controversially being left out of the line-up in 2022. There are many faces fans will recognise, like TikTok sensation and prop Sarah Bern, and powerhouse centre Tatyana centre Emily Scarratt is set to become the first English rugby union player to appear at five World will be eight squad members who will be making their World Cup debuts, such as Abi Burton who, during her first cap in the 2025 Six Nations, scored not one but two tries. Zoe Aldcroft, who took over from Marlie Packer as captain in January and lead the team to victory at the Six Nations earlier this year, will be the Red Roses' captain during the World narrowly lost the most recent World Cup final to New Zealand in Auckland in November 2022 but have won all 25 matches they have played since that last time England won the World Cup was in 2014 - can they do it again? England's full squad ForwardsLark Atkin-Davies Sarah BernHannah BottermanAbi BurtonMay CampbellMackenzie CarsonKelsey CliffordAmy CokayneMaddie FeaunatiRosie GalliganLilli Ives CampionSadia KabeyaAlex MatthewsMaud MuirMarlie PackerMorwenna TallingAbbie WardBacksHolly AitchisonJess BreachAbby DowZoe HarrisonTatyana HeardNatasha HuntMegan JonesEllie KildunneClaudia Moloney-MacDonaldLucy PackerHelena RowlandEmily Scarratt Jade ShekellsEmma Sing When can I watch the Rugby World Cup? The Rugby World Cup kicks off on 22 August in Sunderland's Stadium of Light, with England playing the opening match against tournament is taking place all over England, with matches in Brighton, Northampton, Exeter, Salford and final will take place on 27 September in London, at match will be live to watch on BBC iPlayer and to listen to on BBC Radio 5Live.

The road ahead for Oleksandr Usyk after Daniel Dubois rematch
The road ahead for Oleksandr Usyk after Daniel Dubois rematch

The Independent

time16 minutes ago

  • The Independent

The road ahead for Oleksandr Usyk after Daniel Dubois rematch

Oleksandr Usyk will enter the ring on Saturday hoping to become a three-time undisputed champion against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The Ukrainian has had a near-perfect professional career. He became undisputed cruiserweight champion in 17 fights and undisputed heavyweight champion in a further seven. But should he beat Dubois for a second time, what remains for Usyk? He has made it clear he does not have long left in the sport and his next fight could be his last. So what would be the perfect final flourish for arguably one of the greatest heavyweights of all time? Although Usyk has already beaten Tyson Fury twice, there are no more prizes for Usyk to collect, and this would surely be one of the biggest paydays the Ukrainian could bag before retiring. The pair fought to a tight split decision in their first encounter last year for the undisputed titles. Usyk then put the rivalry to bed by claiming a unanimous decision later that year. Most thought this was the end of the rivalry between the two as a trilogy would serve to prove nothing, even if Fury won, as Usyk would be the overall victor anyway. But Fury announced his comeback from retirement earlier this month and seemed to confirm a trilogy fight between himself and the undefeated heavyweight champion. At an event in Turkey, Fury told the media that the only fight he wants to come back for is Usyk. Fury said: 'Who would I rather fight now? Usyk. Because I want my revenge in England. That's all I want, I want my fair shout and I don't believe I've got a fair shout the last two times." Usyk had the chance to address these rumours ahead of his fight with Daniel Dubois and was just as confused as everyone else at Fury's fight announcement, but didn't write it off as a possibility. Usyk told The Stomping ground: 'I don't judge Tyson Fury. But I don't know what's going on.' He added: 'We have a fight in 2026? You crazy guy! After the fight [against Dubois], we speak about it.' Despite that chapter seemingly being closed, another fight and another win against Fury would be a perfect way to cap off Usyk's career – having beaten one of the best of this generation of heavyweights three times. Anthony Joshua trilogy There is another trilogy on the cards for Usyk, albeit less likely than Fury. Anthony Joshua is on the road to recovery after minor elbow surgery and is looking for his next fight. Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn have not mentioned a third fight with Usyk since he lost to Dubois last year, but if AJ can make a successful return, it will be on their radar. Usyk has been quoted as open to a third fight with AJ, saying that he would not deny the man who gave him two good fights and helped him become a household name in boxing. Usyk told Mail Sport before his rematch with Tyson Fury: 'I have no right to deny Anthony a third fight because he gave me two incredible fights.' He continued: 'Anthony helped me become even more famous in the world, and if it happens, then I am ready for a third fight.' This offer was predicated on Joshua beating Dubois, which, of course, did not happen, and Joshua now appears he be pursuing a fight with Tyson Fury instead. Jospeh Parker Suppose Usyk beats Dubois and intends to keep hold of his undisputed titles before he retires. In that case, the politics of boxing dictates he will have to fight his mandatory challenger – the big Kiwi and training partner of Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker. Parker is the WBO interim champion and has been since he knocked out Martin Bakole, who was a late replacement for Dubois, on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 in February. The intricacies and parliamentary procedure between governing bodies is often not public information, but Frank Warren, speaking to Seconds Out, explained that no matter who wins on Saturday, Joseph Parker will be the mandatory challenger for at least the WBO title. Warren said: 'The first one is the WBO. They [the governing bodies] alternate, and the next one is the WBO, which is Joe Parker.' He concluded: 'He is the mandatory, and we will see what happens.' It might not be the big money, blockbuster fight Usyk is looking for to round out his career, but if he wishes to retire as undisputed, he may have to defend against Parker. Cruiserweight return This is perhaps more fantastical, but a return to cruiserweight is something that Usyk is on record as having considered. Ahead of his rematch with Fury last year, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion told the 3 Knockdown Rule podcast that he would like to fight at cruiserweight again and try to become undisputed for a second time. Usyk said: 'I want more [fights at] cruiserweight. Maybe I can be undisputed for a second time in the cruiserweight division, it's my plan. When I start to prepare for my training camp [as a heavyweight], I have to eat all the time. For me it's hard, I don't like it." A return to cruiserweight looks less and less likely as he came in at a career heaviest 224lbs against Fury and looks to be even bigger for his fight with Dubois. He would also have to unify the belts at cruiserweight, which would require at least three more fights. Badou Jack, Jai Opetaia and Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramriez are the three kings of the cruiserweight division currently. At 38 years old and on the verge of becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk could not be blamed for calling time on his career while still at the very pinnacle of the sport. Speaking to DAZN ahead of his rematch with Dubois, Usyk admitted that he is in the closing stages of his career and that he will fight Dubois, then have one more fight. Usyk said: 'I guess it's my two last fights. With Dubois. Next, I don't know who." If a good fight does not materialise for Usyk, then retirement is a more than viable option as he will have nothing left to prove should he beat Dubois on Saturday. Usyk vs Dubois 2 only on DAZN Watch Usyk versus Dubois 2 live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday - July 19 - for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. Buy the PPV now here.

Manny Pacquiao responds to Floyd Mayweather rematch rumours
Manny Pacquiao responds to Floyd Mayweather rematch rumours

The Independent

time16 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Manny Pacquiao responds to Floyd Mayweather rematch rumours

Manny Pacquiao has addressed speculation that he could be set for a rematch with his old rival Floyd Mayweather. Pacquiao and Mayweather first faced each other 10 years ago in a clash billed as 'The Fight of the Century'. Mayweather emerged victorious via unanimous decision and would go on to have just two more bouts before hanging up his gloves. But he has been involved in exhibition fights in recent years, while Pacquiao is now set to end his four-year absence from the ring to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title this weekend. Rumours have emerged that Mayweather could be tempted back to take on Pacquiao if he wins on Saturday night, but the Filipino legend has claimed he is purely focused on Barrios for now. 'Not yet, I don't have that (fighting Mayweather) in my mind right now,' Pacquiao told Boxing News. 'My focus is on Saturday. 'I always say one at a time. Let's talk about it after the fight and let me focus on this coming fight because this is not an easy opponent. 'He's a champion. He's taller than me so I have to be ready 100 per cent mentally, 100 per cent physically.' Pacquiao will be aiming to become the oldest welterweight champion in history when he steps back between the ropes at the age of 46 against Barrios. But he appears to be open to extending his comeback if Mayweather agrees to a rematch. Mayweather, who turned 48 in February, has not fought professionally since beating Conor Mayweather eight years ago. However, he has stayed in the gym to remain in good condition, and boxing journalist Lance Pugmire claimed earlier this week that Mayweather has already held talks over a potential return to face Pacquiao. Upon visiting the Floyd Mayweather Boxing Club, Pugmire wrote on social media that he was told: 'Conversations are already happening… if Manny wins (this rematch) could be worth billions'. The first fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao generated 4.6million PPV buys – a record that still stands. Both fighters reportedly earned in excess of $100m from the lucrative bout. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store