Oleksandr Usyk recently made history by becoming an undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. Having beaten Tyson Fury in their highly awaited showdown, it has been smooth sailing for the Ukrainian heavyweight ever since. That said, he will now be gearing up for an entirely different endeavor that has taken the fans by surprise.
For those unaware, Oleksandr Usyk took on Tyson Fury in a bout that saw him become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Now undisputed in two separate weight categories, Usyk is no doubt set to go down as one of the boxing greats.
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Following a long drawn out buildup to the fight, Usyk managed to beat Tyson Fury pillar and post in the latter parts, which saw him get the nod by way of a split decision. Although the result may tell a different story, those who saw the fight felt that it was much more in favor of the Ukrainian than what the cards made it seem.
Oleksandr Usyk is all set to make his Hollywood debut alongside Dwayne Johnson
Following the win against Tyson Fury, there was a lot of talk about what is next for him and more so for the winner, Oleksandr Usyk. With reports suggesting that Fury is set to activate the already-in-place rematch clause, it will likely be some time before their second showdown, presumably around October 2024. In the meantime, Usyk will seemingly be keeping busy with a surprising new project.
According to reports, Oleksandr Usyk is all set to start in the upcoming biopic on former UFC heavyweight champion Mark Kerr‘s life, starring Dwayne Johnson as the main protagonist, titled, “The Smashing Machine,” an A24 drama biopic that will be directed by directed by Benny Safdie. Earlier this week, ‘The Rock’ made headlines with his first look as Kerr in the movie.
Oleksandr Usyk has been cast in ‘THE SMASHING MACHINE’ alongside The Rock.
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/6gz2WHr5UD
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 24, 2024
Owing to the work of the makeup and design team, the WWE star seemed unrecognizable in his portrayal of the former UFC and PRIDE FC heavyweight fighter. Alongside Oleksandr Usyk, former UFC and Bellator heavyweight Ryan Bader will also have a key role to play in the upcoming film. Notably, it will be Usyk’s Hollywood debut, meaning that he will appear on the big screen before renowned heavyweights like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Who is Igor Vovchanchyn – the MMA fighter played by Oleksandr Usyk?
Since the news of Oleksandr Usyk’s involvement in the movie, it has naturally caused a significant stir in the world of combat sports. Owing to the hype around the heavyweight champion at the moment, it has further propelled the news into mainstream media. That said, many may be wondering, what role does Oleksandr Usyk play in “The Smashing Machine”?
As it turns out, Usyk will be portraying the role of the renowned mixed martial arts and kickboxing legend Igor Vovchanchyn, a famed rival of Mark Kerr. Notably, Vovchanchyn and Kerr squared off twice in PRIDE FC. Interestingly, their first bout in September 1999, originally ruled a TKO loss for Kerr, was later overturned to a no-contest due to illegal downward knee strikes. A major point in Kerr’s life, it was the first loss of his career.
That said, having defeated Igor Borisov six months later, Mark Kerr got a rematch with Vovchanchyn in December, which the Ukrainian won, this time by way of a unanimous decision. All things considered, the fans will be extremely keen to see whether Oleksandr Usyk can do his fellow countryman justice with his portrayal. Additionally, his first look as the Ukrainian legend is also highly anticipated, seeing how Dwayne Johnson received rave reviews from many.
