Popular Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk will face Anthony Joshua for a rematch, but it is his unusual hairstyle which is currently trending worldwide prompting many questions, know the meaning of his haircut
Usyk is well know in the boxing community, owing to his hilarious personality and on-camera antics.
Boxer Oleksandr Usyk Haircut Meaning Explained As He Pays Tribute To Warrior Heritage With Unusual Hairstyle
Oleksandr Usyk is all set to face Anthony Joshua tonight for a rematch in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Joshua is currently looking to become a three-time world champion. However, he has to get past the exceptional Usyk if he wants a chance to win the Heavyweight gold once again.
Anthony Joshua lost to Usyk back in 2021 after losing by unanimous decision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
What Is The Meaning Behind Oleksandr Usyk’s Unusual Haircut?
Oleksandr Usyk’s new unusual hairstyle is called an ‘Oseledets’ (also referred to as ‘Osedelets’). It is apparently a traditional haircut for the Cossacks, the people from South and Eastern Ukraine as well as parts of Russia. Which makes it a part of Usyk’s heritage.
This isn’t the first time that the former undisputed Cruiserweight world champion has featured the Osedelet hairstyle. Usyk sported the hairstyle back when he won the Heavyweight gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Oleksandr Usyk said to The Sun:
You should know that Cossack oseledets haircut and hopak on the ring are not simply part of image for me, they are a tribute to our history and culture.
The unusual hairstyle features a long lock of hair usually sprouting from the front or centre of the head on a completely shaved head . The term literally translates to “Herring” in English or “Chub”, meaning “crest”.
Usyk And His Hairstyle’s Origin
Oleksandr Usyk is originally from Simferopol, Crimean Oblast and both his parents are of northern Ukrainian descent. Usyk currently resides in Kyiv with his wife Kateryna and their three children.
He has also previously competed with a shaved head before during his professional career following a lose during a game of rock, paper, scissors.
Usyk’s haircut originates from the Viking rulers who governed over the Kievan Rus in the Middle Ages. The style was gradually introduced to communities across Europe. An interesting fact is that, William The Conqueror, is also shown in the famous Bayeux Tapestry with a half-shaven haircut resembling the Oseledets.
How much did Usyk weigh for the AJ rematch?
Oleksandr Usyk weighed in on Friday, August 19th for the rematch at 15st, 11lbs and 10oz. This is a substantial difference compared to the first fight with AJ when he weighed in at 15st, 11lbs and 4oz.
As per the Sky Sports Boxing Live stream, Usyk has previously come in at the following weights:
- Vs Chisora – 15st, 7lbs and 4oz
- Vs Witherspoon – 15st, 5lbs
- Vs Bellew (Cruiserweight) – 14st, 2lbs and 4oz
Whereas Anthony Joshua on the other hand, came in at 17st, 6lbs and 8oz, which is actually up a few pounds from his 17st, 2lbs from the first fight:
- Vs Pulev – 17st, 2lbs and 13oz
- Vs Ruiz 2 – 16st, 13lbs
- Vs Ruiz 1 – 17st, 9lbs and 12oz
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua takes place tonight, Saturday, August 20th, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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