Legendary boxer Oleksandr Usik (center) visiting NOSC President Nicolae Juravski (far right) // Photo: olympic.md
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popşoi, who held a meeting with the legendary boxer, emphasized the symbolism of Oleksandr Usik’s visit to our country. “His visit is very important for us and serves as a vivid evidence that sport allows us to strengthen international ties. We are honored to host one of the greatest boxers of all time, symbolizing strength and resilience. We are building bridges of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Moldova and Ukraine,” Popşoi said.
During the meeting with the athletes, organized by the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Moldova (NOSC), the renowned boxer gave some admonitions. “Don’t listen to people who say you won’t succeed. They will try to make you believe that it is very difficult or even impossible to achieve, but don’t listen to them. Move on your own path, and only then you will achieve results. I will be very happy to know if any of you will win a medal for Moldova,” the 38-year-old Usik said.
He also spoke about his difficult path to triumph. “I started boxing at the age of 15. Already at the first training session I took the fight, and it made a strong impression on me. It took me twice as much work. I fell in love with boxing when I had my first successes. Some partners laughed at me, but he who laughs last,” concluded the guest of honor.
Usik was impressed by Moldova and the hospitality of the people, and joked that “there is a lot of sun and wine here, which makes having a great mood a must for everyone”.
During his visit, the absolute world boxing champion also met with Nicolae Juravski, President of the NOSC, and the Ukrainian Ambassador to Moldova, Paun Rogovei.
Alexander Usik is the first and currently the only boxer in history to win all four world titles in the first heavyweight division under the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO versions. He became an absolute world champion for the third time, knocking out British title challenger Daniel Dubois in a recent fight. In 2012, Usik became an Olympic champion at the Games in London (Great Britain).
During his professional career he did not suffer a single defeat. Three years in a row he was recognized as the best boxer in the world regardless of weight category by the authoritative American magazine “The Ring”.
Born in Simferopol (Crimea), he represents Ukraine on the international arena.
