Why Alexander Usyk Is Widely Regarded as One of the Greatest Heavyweights of All Time
Alexander Usyk’s latest training footage has once again captured the attention of the boxing world. As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Rico Verhoeven, the footage highlights the same qualities that have made him one of the most respected and feared heavyweights in the sport.
While many expected a decline as he entered his late 30s, Usyk appears to be operating at an extremely high level — both physically and technically.
Elite Movement and Footwork
One of the most discussed aspects of Usyk’s style is his constant movement. Unlike many heavyweights who plant their feet and trade power shots, Usyk rarely stays stationary. His feet are always active, creating angles, feints, and constant pressure.
Joe Rogan compared him to a “giant Lomachenko,” noting that both fighters were trained under the same system by Lomachenko’s father. While Usyk cannot move with the same speed as the smaller Lomachenko due to his size, his footwork remains highly advanced for the heavyweight division.
This constant movement is not just for show. It serves a clear purpose: it denies opponents any moment of rest. As Rogan and others have pointed out, fighters who have faced Usyk, including Anthony Joshua, have described the experience as exhausting because there is never a break from the pressure, feints, and angles.
Exceptional Conditioning
Usyk’s conditioning is another area that stands out. Rogan highlighted footage of Usyk swimming for five straight hours during camp, calling him an “animal.” This level of work ethic reflects a fighter who treats preparation with extreme seriousness.
His ability to maintain high output over 12 rounds, combined with his technical skill, makes him particularly difficult to prepare for. Many fighters can look good in short bursts, but Usyk’s ability to sustain pressure and movement deep into fights separates him from most heavyweights.
A Nightmare Style for Opponents
Usyk’s approach is built on constant activity. He uses upward jabs, subtle feints, and sudden angle changes to set up counters — most notably the devastating left hook that finished Daniel Dubois.
Experts have noted that his style forces opponents to constantly think and react. There are no “rounds off” or moments of relaxation. Every movement has intent, whether it’s reading reactions or creating openings for power shots.
This is why many believe Rico Verhoeven, despite his success in kickboxing, faces an extremely difficult task. While Rico is dangerous with his power and forward pressure, boxing against Usyk requires a completely different set of skills — skills that take years to develop at an elite level.
Impressive Resume at an Advanced Age
At 38–39 years old, Usyk has already achieved what many consider an all-time great resume at heavyweight. He has defeated Anthony Joshua twice, Tyson Fury twice, and Daniel Dubois twice. These are widely regarded as some of the best heavyweights of this era.
What makes this even more notable is that Usyk moved up from cruiserweight, where he was also dominant. Many observers believe he is currently at or near the peak of his abilities, despite his age.
Expert Consensus on the Fight
Most boxing analysts and former fighters who have spoken about the matchup view Usyk as a massive favorite. Tony Bellew has stated that if Rico somehow wins, it would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history — potentially even bigger than Buster Douglas beating Mike Tyson.
Teddy Atlas has also been skeptical of Rico’s chances, pointing out that standing upright and relying on power will be extremely dangerous against a technically superior boxer like Usyk.
While everyone acknowledges that Rico is a legitimate threat in his own sport, the consensus is that the transition to elite-level boxing against a fighter of Usyk’s caliber is a monumental challenge.
Usyk’s Mindset
Despite all the praise, Usyk has remained characteristically humble. When asked about comments regarding his size, he responded lightheartedly, saying that size doesn’t matter and that success comes from hard training and “good pasta.”
This blend of elite skill, work ethic, and mental composure is what continues to set him apart.
