STWF Sports | Dec. 9, 2025 – Oleksandr Usyk’s professional resume is spotless — 24 wins, 0 losses, unified heavyweight champion of the world. But before he rewrote modern boxing history, the Ukrainian master suffered 16 defeats in a grueling 351-bout amateur career. And the very last man to beat him still believes he has his number.
More than 16 years after scoring a razor-tight 14–10 victory over Usyk in the semifinals of the 2009 AIBA World Championships, Russia’s Egor Mekhontsev says his blueprint for beating Usyk remains the same today.
“I think you need to have good speed, at least something like Egor Mekhontsev’s,” he said at the IBA World Championships in Dubai last week. “Then it becomes possible.”
Mekhontsev has long retired from the spotlight, but he still speaks with the confidence of a man who never truly lost to Usyk again.
Mekhontsev’s Triumph — and Rise to Olympic Glory
Mekhontsev’s win over Usyk wasn’t a fluke. He followed it by defeating Cuba’s Osmay Acosta for World Championship gold. Three years later, he became Olympic champion at light heavyweight in London, completing a decorated amateur run few ever match.
His pro career, however, lacked the same momentum. Turning professional in 2013, Mekhontsev raced to 13-0-1 before an unexpected draw with Alexander Johnson stalled his climb. A year later, he beat Gusmyr Perdomo — and hasn’t reappeared in the ring since.
While his fighting days appear finished, the desire to face Usyk one more time lingers.
“Yes, of course I would welcome a pro fight,” the 40-year-old said. “If anything, anytime, anywhere. I’m always ready.”
His teammates joke that his belief hasn’t faded.
“They ask: ‘Egor, do you still think you’d tear all of them apart?’ And I tell them: ‘You know, I still think so.’”
Low Blows and “Acting”: The Fight That Still Burns
The rivalry resurfaced in Mekhontsev’s memory after Usyk dispatched Daniel Dubois in July at Wembley Stadium in five rounds. Their first meeting in 2023 was drenched in controversy after Dubois floored Usyk with a body shot many believed was legal. The referee instead ruled it low and allowed Usyk time to recover.
That sequence was eerily familiar to Mekhontsev.
“When he boxed with me, he kept going down as if I were hitting him below the belt — even though I was punching to the body,” Mekhontsev said. “He would grab areas you’re not allowed to hit.”
He claims Usyk “acted” the same way against Artur Beterbiev in the amateurs.
“They deducted two points from Usyk because he was holding the wrong kidney,” he said. “It was impossible for Beterbiev to hit him there. That’s something he does — and for us, that’s disgraceful.”
Then came his final jab.
“At least once — don’t fall. Don’t fall and don’t pretend. This is a man’s sport. Tough it out.”
Usyk’s Legendary Resolve — And the Fighter Who Wants One More Dance
For all his criticism, Mekhontsev admires Usyk’s greatness — because he saw it before the world did. Speed, skill, and mental control have made Usyk an all-time pound-for-pound technician.
But the Russian believes one clear truth:
He cracked the Usyk puzzle before anyone else, and he still thinks he could do it again.
The odds of a professional showdown between the two at this stage? Astronomically slim.
But Mekhontsev’s comments prove something few would ever dare to suggest:
Even the most perfect record leaves unfinished business behind.
