Usyk and Krassyuk go their separate ways after more than a decade – Split before world championship fight against Dubois
Shocking news from the heavyweight division: reigning WBA, WBC and WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk and his longtime promoter Alex Krassyuk have ended their collaboration. The split comes just four weeks before Usyk’s upcoming fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in London.
K2 Promotions boss Krassyuk, who had accompanied Usyk since his professional debut, announced the end of the collaboration yesterday evening via his social media channels. In an emotional statement, the Ukrainian promoter looked back on an extraordinary career: “It was an incredible journey – 12 years of remarkable success. Two young dreamers came together in 2013 to change the boxing business. I gave you my word back then and I kept it. Nobody believed we could achieve what we set out to do – but by the grace of God, we completed Mission Impossible.”
Krassyuk recalled the joint milestones, including:
- September 2016: WBO cruiserweight world champion
- January 2018: WBC and WBA cruiserweight champion
- July 2018: Undisputed cruiserweight world champion
- September 2021: WBO, WBA and IBF World Heavyweight Champion
- May 2024: Undisputed heavyweight world champion
“A dream come true. Thank you for everything we have been through and for the honor of being your lifelong promoter as a double Undisputed Champion. May God guide you as you move forward.”
Usyk and Krassyuk began their successful partnership shortly after the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where Usyk won the gold medal. In 2013, he signed his first professional contract with K2 Promotions, and under Krassyuk’s guidance he developed into one of the most successful boxers of his generation. The split raises many questions, especially in light of the upcoming mega-fight against Daniel Dubois. Whether and how the split will affect the preparation and promotional phase of the title fight remains to be seen.