Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified heavyweight champion of the world, has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to make the right decisions both inside and outside the ring. As one of the most technically gifted and intelligent fighters in modern boxing, Usyk’s rise to prominence has been defined by his flawless judgment. This was especially evident when it came to the decision of whether to face former world champions Andy Ruiz Jr. or Anthony Joshua—two of the most dangerous fighters in the heavyweight division.
The choices Usyk made leading up to his fights with these two formidable opponents have proven to be spot-on, further cementing his place in the upper echelon of boxing. Usyk’s analytical mind, combined with his unparalleled skill set, made his path to success inevitable.
The Anthony Joshua Challenge
In 2021, after making a successful transition from cruiserweight to heavyweight, Usyk was presented with one of the biggest challenges of his career: a bout against Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion with a formidable knockout record. Joshua, known for his size, power, and ability to dismantle opponents, seemed like a significant obstacle for Usyk. Many in the boxing community doubted whether Usyk, a smaller heavyweight, could handle Joshua’s raw strength.
However, Usyk had no doubts. He understood that his style of boxing, characterized by elite footwork, speed, and defensive acumen, would be key in outclassing Joshua. In September 2021, Usyk faced Joshua in a highly anticipated bout, and the Ukrainian masterfully executed his game plan. Usyk’s decision to take on Joshua, instead of opting for a less dangerous opponent like Andy Ruiz, was a gamble that paid off.
Throughout the fight, Usyk showcased his superior technical skills, constantly moving, changing angles, and keeping Joshua off-balance. Usyk’s accuracy and volume of punches gradually wore down the British giant. Joshua, who struggled to find his rhythm, was outboxed for most of the fight, with Usyk securing a unanimous decision victory and capturing the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
This victory was a defining moment in Usyk’s career and proved that he was not only capable of competing with the best heavyweights in the world but also beating them decisively. By choosing to fight Joshua, Usyk made a clear statement: he was not afraid of challenges, and his confidence in his abilities was justified.
The Andy Ruiz Option: A Calculated Decision
Before the Joshua fight, there had been speculation that Usyk could face Andy Ruiz Jr., the Mexican-American fighter who famously dethroned Joshua in 2019. Ruiz, known for his quick hands and surprising power, had shocked the boxing world when he defeated Joshua via a seventh-round TKO to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion. While Ruiz’s stock was at an all-time high after that victory, his subsequent performances, including a loss to Joshua in the rematch, showed some inconsistencies in his conditioning and focus.
For Usyk, the decision to bypass Ruiz in favor of Joshua was a calculated one. While Ruiz presented a dangerous challenge, Usyk likely saw Joshua as the more lucrative and prestigious fight, with the chance to claim multiple heavyweight titles in a single bout. Moreover, Ruiz’s unpredictable nature, fluctuating weight, and occasional lack of discipline may have been factors in Usyk’s decision to aim directly for Joshua.
In hindsight, Usyk’s choice not to engage with Ruiz at that moment was spot-on. Since losing to Joshua in the rematch, Ruiz has struggled to regain his top form, despite flashes of brilliance in his recent performances. While Ruiz remains a dangerous contender, Usyk’s decision to focus on securing the biggest prize in heavyweight boxing by fighting Joshua proved to be the right move. His victory over Joshua instantly elevated his status to one of the most respected fighters in the sport.
Usyk’s Mastery of the Heavyweight Division
Oleksandr Usyk’s success in the heavyweight division, particularly against Joshua, underscores his ability to make sound strategic decisions. Usyk has often been described as a chess player in the ring, thinking several steps ahead of his opponents. His adaptability, ring intelligence, and calm under pressure have allowed him to overcome opponents who are often much larger and stronger than him.
Usyk’s approach to boxing is rooted in his deep understanding of the sport’s nuances. His footwork, head movement, and ability to read his opponent’s patterns have enabled him to outclass fighters like Joshua, who rely more on their physical attributes. By choosing to face Joshua instead of Ruiz, Usyk demonstrated that he was not only capable of making the right decisions at the right time but also that he had the tools to execute his game plan flawlessly.
In contrast, fighters like Ruiz, while immensely talented, have shown vulnerabilities in terms of discipline and consistency. By avoiding the risk of fighting a potentially unpredictable Ruiz and instead going straight for Joshua, Usyk maximized his opportunity to achieve heavyweight greatness.
Usyk’s Future and Legacy
As Usyk continues his reign as the unified heavyweight champion, his decisions will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized. With a rematch victory over Joshua already under his belt, Usyk has firmly established himself as one of the best heavyweights in the world. His potential future bouts against other top contenders, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and perhaps even Andy Ruiz, will be eagerly anticipated.
Looking back, Usyk’s decision to fight Joshua instead of Ruiz was a masterstroke that showcased his strategic brilliance. He didn’t just choose the tougher opponent in Joshua; he chose the fight that would elevate his legacy to new heights. Usyk’s dominance in the ring and his ability to make the right choices at crucial moments are what separate him from many other fighters in the heavyweight division.
In a sport where one wrong decision can derail a career, Usyk has consistently shown that he is not only a world-class fighter but also a master tactician. Whether or not he eventually faces Ruiz, Usyk has already proven that when it comes to making critical decisions in his career, he has been spot-on every time.