It was announced this weekend that Oleksandr Usyk has split with his long-time promoter Alexander Krassyuk, weeks out from his rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Usyk has worked with Krassyuk’s K2 Promotions ever since he first turned professional back in 2013, just a year after he cleaned up and won gold at the London Olympics.
Since then, he has dominated the sport and won all of his 23 fights. That includes beating all comers in the cruiserweight division to become undisputed champion, as well as moving up to heavyweight to do the same.
Historic doubles over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury has secured the Ukrainian’s place amongst the greatest ever, and now he has the chance to make history again next month.
If Usyk manages to beat Dubois, he will be the first man in the modern era to be a two-time undisputed champion. Many are backing him to do so having already once beaten ‘DDD’ by KO back in August 2023, although not before being down on the canvas after a body shot that was controversially ruled low.
The split from K2 Promotions has been amicable, and now Sergey Lapin, Head of Team Usyk and CEO of Ready to Fight, has given a statement to talkSPORT Boxing explaining that the Ukrainian superstar has ‘built something of his own.’
“This is a natural stage that many go through. Like Mayweather, De La Hoya, Pacquiao, and Alvarez before him, Usyk reached a point where it was time to build something of his own.
“He has a strong, professional team that has long taken over key areas — from training to brand development. The decision was thoughtful, conflict-free, and made with respect for the shared experience and the understanding that everyone eventually follows their own path.”
Krassyuk had previously posted on Instagram about the news.
“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.
“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.”
Usyk takes on Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19, and has fans will hope this change in the background won’t affect his final few weeks of training camp.