-doubt, and his relationship with Stone Island
This past weekend in London: Oleksandr Usyk knocks out hometown fighter Daniel Dubois to cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time
Over five rounds, the undefeated 38-year-old Ukrainian delivered a masterclass in movement and ring IQ, making light work of an opponent 11 years younger and 16.5 pounds heavier. Usyk’s victory at Wembley – England’s national stadium and the biggest in the UK – was emphatic and with the help of “Ivan” (the hilarious nickname he gave the devastating left hook that took Dubois out), “The Cat” from Crimea became a three-time undisputed world boxing champion and, arguably, the greatest fighter of his generation.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Fashion-Forward Ring Walk
But before the drama of the fifth round, it was Oleksandr Usyk’s ring walk that caught the eyes of the fashion-forward among us – namely, the custom-made silvery grey Stone Island uniforms worn by him and his team. While it’s no surprise to see the Ukrainian don the badge – he and the brand go back, with Stone Island describing the boxer as “a longstanding member of the Stone Island community” – it was a robe worthy of the occasion, one that Stone Island created specially for the fight.
The Toughest Opponent: Self-Doubt
“For me, the toughest opponent is always myself – that part of me that tries to convince me not to work, that tells me to rest on my laurels. I fight him every single day.” With a steely expression that stood in contrast to his opponent’s self-assured – if premature – smirk, Usyk made his way to the ring wearing the one-of-one robe, flanked by his team in matching jackets.
Hidden Details in the Robe
From afar, the long parka appeared relatively simple – but we now know that its metallic grey hue was hiding something. Crafted with Stone Island’s “Nylon Metal” fabric, the fighter’s outfit had the distinctive iridescence associated with the material, and it featured a tonal pixelated print with a design that was “inspired by authentic pixel camouflage”. But the detail didn’t stop there: hidden within the digital camo print, Stone Island included a “specially created pixel alphabet” with the names of Usyk’s closest family and friends, allowing the fighter to enter the ring his nearest and dearest literally on his shoulders.
Daniel Dubois’ Entrance
Daniel Dubois, meanwhile, arrived at the venue less than two hours before his own ring walk, before entering to a melange of music that included Cameo’s 1986 hit “Candy” – a certified banger, but perhaps not the kind he was hoping for on the night. Post-fight reports are also suggesting he had a party at his house just hours before the fight. It was only going to end one way, wasn’t it?
Making History
Hypebeast was ringside on the night to witness history being made as Oleksandr Usyk regained his IBF title and became the first three-time undisputed boxer of the “four-belt era” – the only boxer in history to do so in two weight classes. We caught up with Usyk a few days after the fight to talk about his mindset going into it, the importance of family, self-doubt, and his relationship with Stone Island.
