Summer 1968. A family dinner comes to conclusion. My siblings head outside to meet up with friends.
Yet, I remain at the kitchen table. Pepper my father with questions. About life as a teenager in Britain and a subsequent two-year stint in the Royal Navy. Inquire as to the how and why of his post World War II emigration to the west coast of Canada.
Happily, for me at least, many of his stories, anecdotes, and lessons, involve sport. Including, as part of his athletic and character development, boxing.
Never one to boast of his achievements, he grudgingly admits to being strong and fast, agile and tough. Good with his fists, possessor of an accurate jab and a powerful right hook.
Though he doesn’t actually love the fighting, it becomes a means to an end. He represents his boarding house and his school with distinction. Gains a reputation. Then, once in the Navy, earns bouts vs pugilists from other branches of the armed forces. Extra shore leave the prize for winning.
Upon arriving on Vancouver Island in 1948, he takes a job at a rural, private school. Teaching and coaching to be his life’s work.
Interestingly, at that time, boxing is part of the school’s curriculum. A fanatical headmaster pushes the sport at every opportunity, drawn by its combination of fitness, strategy, and raw emotion. In contrast, based on his own experiences, my father quickly realizes how much the vast majority of students dislike having to enter the ring. He lobbies for an end to the practice, eventually succeeding a few years later.
Nonetheless, boxing retains a definite lure. Engenders a certain fascination, captivates and appeals to hearts and minds. Balances triumph and defeat, mental fitness and discipline, raw courage and risk. Provides an addictive, adrenaline rush. Given these qualities, even though the sport’s history is littered with scandals and unsavoury characters, it also produces extraordinary, inspiring men and women.
The current men’s heavyweight world champion is one of them.
A native of Ukraine, he is Oleksandr Usyk.
The numbers and accompanying accolades tell the tale. A boxing career that begins in 2003. A 335-15 record at the amateur level. World champion in 2011. Gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics.
Then, turning professional late in 2013, a rapid rise up the ranks. Sixteen consecutive victories as a cruiserweight, then another seven at heavyweight level. 23-0 overall. The last two, both held this year and much ballyhooed, come against a literal giant in 6’8”, 280 pound, Tyson Fury.
In every way, Fury is a larger-than-life personality. Loud, brash, crude, and opinionated, he threatens to butcher and crush his opponents. Yet, Usyk remains calm and undeterred, even if at a distinct disadvantage in terms of height, weight, and reach. Instead, an iron will, superior fitness, grit, and daring combine to seal a pair of thrilling victories as he retains his world heavyweight titles.
Even better, Usyk’s courage, leadership, personal characteristics, and example resonate deeply in so many other ways. Unquestionably the best pound for pound boxer in the world, he remains the epitome of grace and humility.
His actions transcend sport. A fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, he condemns Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Usyk then joins his country’s defence force in his hometown of Kyiv. Eventually, he is given permission to return to boxing training, encouraged to do so by fellow soldiers. Representing Ukraine on the international stage deemed crucially important, he becomes a talisman for, a sterling symbol of, a nation’s heroic resistance and resilience. A nation, mired in dark times that show no signs of abating, whose very existence is in peril.
Indeed, Usyk’s political significance to Ukraine cannot be understated.
His most recent bout vs Fury, held just ten days ago, reflects just that. Against a backdrop of unremitting war in his homeland, of three years of grinding attrition, cruel and merciless bombing, agonizing death and destruction, he makes a series of powerful statements.
Fury’s aggression, bulk, and reach allow him to control the early exchanges. As a consequence, by round six, Usyk appears to notably tire. Yet, it is then that he again finds a new gear, new reserves of energy. Counterpunches relentlessly to take control.
Usyk dedicates the fight, and subsequent narrow but unanimous victory, to “all Ukrainian mothers”. Also, to the thousands of battered but unbowed soldiers on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine. In this regard, as a gesture of love, motivation, and empowerment, he holds high a shining sword. A sabre once owned by a famous 17th century Cossack who fought for the country’s sovereignty against Russian invaders some 400 years ago.
What to say, other than Usyk has, time and time again, shown unquestioned resolve. Mirroring his countrymen in the ongoing hostilities vs Russia, he gives absolutely everything he has to offer in the ring. Then seems to give more.
In difficult, hopeless times, he never loses hope. Shows a way forward. By so doing, lets those who might seem weak turn out to be amazingly strong.
Humble and grounded, Usyk is an exemplary sportsman.
And, for me at least and by some considerable distance, Athlete of the Year.
May he shine even more brightly in 2025.
Happy New Year.
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