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Oleksandr Usyk opens up on shock split from promoter before Daniel Dubois rematch
Oleksandr Usyk has spoken on his split with his long-time promoter Alex Krassyuk ahead of his undisputed clash with Daniel Dubois on Saturday at Wembley.
In his first public statement regarding the split, Usyk explained to The Stomping Ground that his split with Krassyuk was only as his boxing promoter and not as his friend or business partner.
Usyk said: “Listen, we not break with my relationship with Alex. I build business, Usyk 17, Alex Krassyuk now work with this company. We stop relationship in boxing, but Alex help me with other work. We work a lot of years, 12. We win great trophy, but we continue work – but different work.”
The pair got together in 2013 ahead of Usyk’s professional debut after the Ukrainian had won Olympic gold the year before.
With Krassyuk as his promoter, Usyk unified the cruiserweight division in 17 fights and became undisputed heavyweight champion - beating Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each, as well as Dubois.
After claiming the undisputed title from Fury, Usyk vacated his IBF title, which upgraded the interim champion, Dubois, to full champion status – opening the door for a rematch.
He is now targeting his third undisputed title in the rematch with Dubois, but will do so without Krassyuk by his side.
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Krassyuk, who for so long acted as a spokesperson for Usyk at his media obligations, posted to social media when the news first broke and emotionally reminisced on their journey in boxing.
Krassyuk said: “It’s been a tremendous journey – 12 years of unbelievable success. Two young dreamers met each other to change the game. Back in 2013, I gave you my word – and I kept it.”
He continued: “At the time, no one believed we were capable of achieving what we set out to do. But by the grace of God, we completed the mission impossible… A dream come true!!! Thank you for all we’ve gone through and for the honour to be the lifetime promoter of the double undisputed. May the lord bless you and guide your next steps. Thanks, God, for everything.”
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