Oleksandr Usyk spent some time talking to Ring Magazine about this weekend’s historic fight against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in front of the Egyptian pyramids, and his thoughts about performing in front of one of the seven wonders of the world. Check out some of what he had to say below.
Usyk on facing off with Rico in front of the pyramids
“This is piece of work. I’m happy to be here because it’s my first time in Egypt, and I’m very happy to look at pyramid because wow, it’s a big story.”
On the importance of enjoying this moment as his career comes to a close
“I think we all must look at what we do because its
will not [be] long — one year, maybe, one-and-a-half, and then I say ‘stop’ and go work and maybe movie, maybe businesses. Political? No, because I don’t like. Maybe I will coach [boxing]. Maybe. I like this. ‘Hey, time! Work!’“
On the facing a kickboxer in a boxing match
“When I was young, when Floyd Mayweather prepare fight with McGregor, I think ‘yeah, it’s bullsh-t. Why? Why? Why?!’ Now, after fight maybe one year ago I think ‘listen, this is good because two sports combine.’ It’s all famous people, but boxing, UFC, kickboxing, it’s big place [for fans to come together]. It’s very popular because people have choice, you can go boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, any way.
“I think like this: you must live happy. You must do what you want, but not bad. If you want, help people…Listen, you have one life, you have to live everyday as happy. This happy time.”
On the pressure of defending his titles
“Brother, I not feel pressure because I’m training. I’m not thinking about this. For me, it’s important my training camp and fight. I like belts, I like all my belts — thank you, organization — but for me, my road is the fights.”
