Oleksandr Usyk: Boxing Heavyweight Champion Officially Becomes Professional Footballer

• Oleksandr Usyk has officially signed for Ukrainian Premier League football club FC Polissya
• The IBF Heavyweight champion signed a one-year professional contract
• Usyk came on as a substitute for the same club in a friendly last year

Beyond his profound love for boxing, which has led him to become a World Heavyweight Champion, Oleksandr Usyk's heart also lies in another sport.

Taking his passion to new heights, he has ventured into professional football.

Back in February 2022, the 36-year-old made his soccer debut with a professional team, gracing the pitch for FC Polissya during the Ukrainian 2022 Winter Cup.

He showcased his skills for a commendable 15 minutes during the match.

Analyzing the impact he left on the field, Usyk exhibits remarkable power in his sprints and demonstrates excellent decision-making skills when controlling the ball, per talkSPORT.

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Boxing

The Southpaw assumed the role of a right winger and displayed seamless coordination with the other forwards on the team.

Usyk joins Ukrainian side

On Wednesday, July 19, Usyk caused quite a stir by officially inking a surprising new contract that commits him to FC Polissya, per Marca.

The contract extends for the upcoming year and, importantly, it won't interfere with his flourishing pro boxing career.

In principle, Usyk should be capable of safeguarding his WBA, IBF, and WBO Heavyweight titles while simultaneously representing his new club.

As per the announcement, Usyk will take on the role of a forward and has already begun training with his teammates without delay. Interestingly, this is the very same club where he made his debut as a footballer.

Usyk is set to wear the club's No. 17 on his back.

Usyk to face Dubois

Meanwhile, Usyk is set to defend his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight belts against Daniel Dubois in Poland this August after the Ukrainian's promoter, Alex Krassyuk, won the purse bid.

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Football

This comes after the Ukrainian's plan to take on Tyson Fury in an undisputed showdown at Wembley Stadium in April collapsed.

K2 Promotion's Alex Krassyuk said the plan is for the 36-year-old to face the WBA's top contender on August 12 in Wroclaw, Poland. Usyk's camp earned the promotional rights to the bout with a winning bid of $8.06 million, per ESPN.

Usyk taunts Fury

Sports Brief earlier reported on Usyk taunting Fury as the showdown between the two draws closer.

Fury called Usyk into the ring and began calling him a 'little sausage'.

Not to be outdone, Usyk has started referring to the British boxer as 'Belly', a direct reference to Fury’s physique.