This past weekend in London, Oleksandr Usyk knocked out hometown fighter Daniel Dubois to cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Over five rounds, the undefeated 38-year-old Ukrainian delivered a masterclass in movement and ring IQ, making light work of an opponent 11 years younger and 16.5 pounds heavier. Usyk’s victory at Wembley – England’s national stadium and the biggest in the UK – was emphatic and with the help of “Ivan” (the hilarious nickname he gave the devastating left hook that took Dubois out), “The Cat” from Crimea became a three-time undisputed world boxing champion and, arguably, the greatest fighter of his generation.
But before the drama of the fifth round, it was Oleksandr Usyk’s ring walk that caught the eyes of the fashion-forward among us – namely, the custom-made silvery grey Stone Island uniforms worn by him and his team. While it’s no surprise to see the Ukrainian don the badge – he and the brand go back, with Stone Island describing the boxer as “a longstanding member of the Stone Island community” – it was a robe worthy of the occasion, one that Stone Island created specially for the fight.
“For me, the toughest opponent is always myself – that part of me that tries to convince me not to work, that tells me to rest on my laurels. I fight him every single day.”
With a steely expression that stood in contrast to his opponent’s self-assured – if premature – smirk, Usyk made his way to the ring wearing the one-of-one robe, flanked by his team in matching jackets. From afar, the long parka appeared relatively simple – but we now know that its metallic grey hue was hiding something. Crafted with Stone Island’s “Nylon Metal” fabric, the fighter’s outfit had the distinctive iridescence associated with the material, and it featured a tonal pixelated print with a design that was “inspired by authentic pixel camouflage”. But the detail didn’t stop there: hidden within the digital camo print, Stone Island included a “specially created pixel alphabet” with the names of Usyk’s closest family and friends, allowing the fighter to enter the ring his nearest and dearest literally on his shoulders.
Daniel Dubois, meanwhile, arrived at the venue less than two hours before his own ring walk, before entering to a melange of music that included Cameo’s 1986 hit “Candy” – a certified banger, but perhaps not the kind he was hoping for on the night. Post-fight reports are also suggesting he had a party at his house just hours before the fight. It was only going to end one way, wasn’t it?
Hypebeast was ringside on the night to witness history being made as Oleksandr Usyk regained his IBF title and became the first three-time undisputed boxer of the “four-belt era” – the only boxer in history to do so in two weight classes.
We caught up with Usyk a few days after the fight to talk about his mindset going into it, the importance of family, self-expression, and the ideas behind the Stone Island parka he personally designed together with the brand.
Check out our full conversation below…
You’ve been part of the Stone Island family for a while now – what is it about the relationship that makes the partnership such a natural fit?
You’ve probably often seen me in photos from various events wearing Stone Island. Partnering with a brand I genuinely wear has always felt very natural to me.
Can you tell us about the design and what inspired your ideas for the robe, and how accurately did Stone Island bring these to life with the final product?
I’m always personally involved in designing my outfits – both for fight week and for the ring. I understand very well that every outfit is a message. Together with my team, we sit down and decide what we want to say to the world this time, and what symbols we’ll use to express it. Most often, it’s a message about my faith, my values, and my country [Ukraine]. That’s exactly how it was this time. Stone Island and I worked together for a long time, putting in a lot of thought and effort into the design and creation of the outfit. In the end, it turned out just right.
The names of your family and friends are on the robe in a specially created “pixel alphabet” – what does that mean to you?
Family is one of the core pillars of my life – a constant source of support and inspiration. During training camps, I spend long stretches away from my wife and children, so I wanted them to be with me symbolically when I walked into the ring. That lifted my fighting spirit incredibly. The pixel pattern is a tribute and a gesture of respect to the defenders of my homeland, to whom I dedicated this victory. These are the people who protect my loved ones. Their support means the world to me. And I know my victory meant a lot to them. When I entered the ring, I wanted to remember exactly why I fight, and who I fight for.
“I’m always personally involved in designing my outfits. I understand very well that every outfit is a message.”
The results usually go your way, but how do you pick yourself up and move forward when they don’t?
It may look easy from the outside. But only I, my family, and my team truly know how much effort it takes to achieve these results. Not everything works out right away. And if it doesn’t, you keep trying. God gave me this path, and I follow it, no matter how hard it gets. Obstacles and challenges are also part of this journey, part of His plan. He gives them to make me stronger.
Outside the ring, you’re known for your unique style and personality – how important is self-expression to you as a fighter?
I’m actually a very cheerful guy! I love life deeply, and I love expressing that joy through music, dance, bright clothes, and – of course – boxing. When you truly appreciate each day that God gives you, it motivates you to live it to the fullest, to work harder, and to keep moving toward your goals.
Who’s the hardest hitter you’ve faced?
Derek Chisora. But for me, the toughest opponent is always myself – that part of me that tries to convince me not to work, that tells me to rest on my laurels. I fight him every single day.
What’s a piece of advice you received that you’ve never forgotten?
The most important life advises I received came from my late father. One of them was: “Never worry about what others say about you. Just do your job, and do it as well as you can. Your actions will speak for you.” The same is said in the Bible: “By their deeds you will know them.”
What’s next for Oleksandr Usyk – are we going to see you on the Stone Island presentation runway sometime?!
Right now, I just want to rest and spend time with my family, whom I’ve barely seen over the past three months. What comes next? Only God knows. As for the runway: never say never. Anything is possible in life.
The post In Conversation with Oleksandr Usyk, Three-Time Undisputed World Boxing Champion appeared first on Hypebeast.
