Undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk isn’t scheduled to return to the ring until August, but the undefeated fighter still found a way to make headlines this week, thanks to a fascinating career move.
Usyk, the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight champion, stunned boxing fans on Wednesday after it was announced the 36-year-old had agreed to terms on a one-year contract “on football cooperation” with Ukrainian Premier League team FC Polissya.
On Thursday, Polissya president Gennadiy Butkevych praised Usyk’s tenacity for choosing to join the world of soccer. The move marks a remarkable full circle moment for Usyk, who, according to ESPN, transitioned to boxing as a teenager after spending time training with Ukrainian football club Tavriya Simferopol.
“I respect and am proud of this man. His attitude to training is a great example for the Polissya team,” Butkevych said in a statement, per the team website.
While the extent of his role remains unknown, Usyk’s decision to join Polissya is not expected to affect his boxing career. Usyk (20–0, 13 KOs) is still scheduled to defend his titles on Aug. 26 against challenger Daniel Dubois in Poland.
Usyk previously came on as a sub for Polissya during a 2–1 friendly win over Veres in February 2022.
The first-place team in the second-tier Ukrainian First League last season, FC Polissya will play in the Ukrainian Premier League in 2023-24 after earning a promotion. The club’s season is set to begin on July 28.
