Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has sent a new warning to the boxing world ahead of his Wembley Stadium fight with Daniel Dubois.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian revealed this week that his sons Mykhailo and Kyrylo are already training in their father's gym, each pursuing their own fighting ambitions.
His eldest son has set his sights on judo excellence, whilst the youngest dreams of following directly in his father's footsteps as a boxer.
Despite their privileged upbringing as children of the four-belt heavyweight icon, Usyk has issued a stark warning to his boys about the reality of sporting success.
Oleksandr Usyk has revealed his children are looking to follow in his combat sport
"I tell them that, in order to achieve their goals, they need to work very hard," Usyk said.
The elder Usyk recently competed at the Spanish judo championships, where he secured second place after facing a more experienced opponent. "My eldest went to the championship he performed very well but faced a big guy and took second place because he didn't have enough experience for now," Usyk explained.
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Despite the setback, his son remains focused on his ultimate goal. The heavyweight champion revealed: "He wants to become an Olympic champion in judo. My youngest son wants to become a boxer and become world champion."
Usyk emphasised that fame comes with its challenges, cautioning his children that celebrity status isn't always glamorous. "I say that it's not always cool to be famous," he added.
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|The pair are set for a blockbuster fight on Saturday
Usyk's commitment to his sport has demanded significant personal sacrifices throughout his career. Most notably, he maintained his rigorous training regime for the 2012 Olympics whilst his father was seriously ill.
His father passed away just days after Usyk claimed heavyweight gold, highlighting the painful cost of his dedication to boxing. This experience has shaped how he prepares his sons for their own sporting journeys.
The champion spent three months away from his family preparing for tomorrow's Wembley bout against Daniel Dubois. His sons visited briefly during camp, with the eldest staying just a week before returning home to prepare for his judo championship.
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"They came back to visit me and stayed with me two days after that," Usyk noted.
Ahead of his rematch with 27-year-old Daniel Dubois at Wembley, Usyk has adopted his trademark "Iceman" persona. The undefeated Ukrainian has already defeated several British fighters, including Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
"You need to know what I'm feeling. I'm quite cold. I'm a very chilled person. I like it when it's cold. I am an Iceman. I am frozen," Usyk declared.
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|Oleksandr Usyk has had an incredibly impressive career
The southpaw fighter maintains an unconventional perspective on his profession and life. "I look at this world in a different way. I look at the world as a God-given psychiatric hospital, where many mad people live," he said.
"But God gives each of us a chance to be healed. And every day I ask Him for help in prayer."
Usyk will aim to unify the heavyweight titles against Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, should he beat Dubois he has a match with Fury in April next year to look train for.