Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk spoke with the Kyiv Pie YouTube channel, explaining the origin of a playful nickname he once used for a rival. The conversation reveals how a lighthearted jab became a memorable tag that followed the matchups and public dialogue around him and his opponents.
In the interview, Usyk recalled affectionately naming a rival as Puziko, a nickname meant to keep things light and avoid offense for a long time. He clarified that this name was never meant to insult but to keep the mood easygoing amid heated talk. He also commented on a particular moment when the rival claimed top ranking status in the WBO and a middleweight position, a situation that sparked a humorous response from Usyk. The dialogue circulated with a playful line, Belly, don’t cry, and from there, the nickname Greedy Belly emerged when compensation arrangements were discussed, highlighting a split of the prize money that the rival reportedly desired to tilt in their favor.
As for the competitive landscape, Usyk remains a dominant force in the ring. His most recent victory came in August against a well-known British challenger, a fight staged in Saudi Arabia where Usyk secured a clear win and defended his world titles across multiple organizations. The Ukrainian champion holds the IBF, WBO, IBO, and WBA belts, underscoring the breadth of his recognition and the consistency of his title claims across major sanctioning bodies. This consistency places him among the sport’s elite, with a longstanding track record that strengthens his standing in the sport’s global hierarchy.
The opposing champion, Tyson Fury, continues to reign as the WBC world champion, adding another layer to the sport’s ongoing rivalry narrative. The dynamic between Usyk and Fury has captured fan interest worldwide, with discussions often focusing on preparation, strategy, and the potential for future marquee bouts that could define a generation in heavyweight boxing.
Earlier, Usyk had signaled a willingness to outline the terms and expectations around a potential faceoff with Fury, highlighting the commercial and competitive considerations that accompany any major heavyweight showdown. The back-and-forth discussions reflect a sport where timing, negotiations, and performance converge, shaping the public timetable for anticipated matchups and the broader business of boxing. The broader story remains about the athletes, their teams, and the fans who follow every development with keen interest, eager for clarity on when and how a landmark matchup might unfold.