As one of the greatest boxers of his generation, Oleksandr Usyk has built a career defined by dominance, discipline, and resilience. But as he edges closer to the twilight of his boxing journey, fans are now getting a glimpse of the Ukrainian superstar in a very different light — not in the ring, but on the silver screen.=

Usyk’s latest role in The Smashing Machine, the new Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson film, highlights more than just his willingness to step outside his comfort zone. It also reveals the mindset of a champion who seems prepared for the next chapter of life after boxing.

Usyk’s Surprising Hollywood Turn

In The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, Oleksandr Usyk portrays Ukrainian kickboxer and mixed martial artist Igor Vovchanchyn, a key rival of Johnson’s character, Mark Kerr. For those unfamiliar with combat sports history, Vovchanchyn was a powerhouse figure in early MMA, feared for his knockout power and relentless style.

Seeing Usyk play the role is fascinating for fans. The usually lean and sharp heavyweight champion appears somewhat fleshy for the role, embodying the look of a man far removed from the strict conditioning of boxing’s elite level. Yet Usyk’s natural charisma and athletic background make him a convincing screen presence.

It’s not his first time dabbling in acting—he has appeared in Ukrainian shorts, voice acted in a 2018 animated film, and even played a boxer in The Fight Rules. But The Smashing Machine marks his highest-profile appearance yet, with global audiences seeing him as more than just the reigning heavyweight champion.

Why This Role Matters for Usyk

For many legendary fighters, the transition away from boxing or MMA is difficult. Careers end, but the fire to compete often lingers. What makes Usyk’s role in The Smashing Machine intriguing is how much it aligns with his current place in life.

At 38 years old, Usyk has already hinted that his career is nearing its close. He has spoken openly about only fighting a couple more times before stepping away for good. By stepping into acting, Usyk is signaling something clear: he is preparing for life beyond the ring.

A Champion Nearing the End of His Journey

Usyk’s record stands at a perfect 24-0 with 15 knockouts, a resume stacked with historic wins. In the past four years, he has defeated the best heavyweights in the world, including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Daniel Dubois.

Few fighters have ever achieved what Usyk has done. He became the undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to heavyweight and cleaning out boxing’s most prestigious division. Today, he stands as the undisputed heavyweight champion and arguably the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport.

And yet, despite being at the peak of his powers, Usyk seems more interested in writing the final chapter than extending the story. Ahead of his last fight, he stated that he envisioned only two more bouts before retiring. One of those was against Dubois in July, leaving potentially just one more title defense—possibly against the winner of Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley.

Signs That Usyk Is Ready to Move On

The biggest indicator of Usyk’s mindset came recently through his social media activity. He responded to a video from Jake Paul with a telling message:

“Soon, I’ll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage.”

The comment raised eyebrows across the combat sports world. On one hand, it could be seen as Usyk playing with the idea of a circus-style crossover fight for massive money. On the other hand, it revealed something deeper—Usyk is no longer laser-focused solely on defending his titles.

For a man who has spent decades chasing legacy-defining wins, entertaining such a thought suggests he is already looking past boxing.

Why now? The Case for Retirement

Most fighters don’t walk away when they’re on top. They linger until age or defeat forces them to step aside. Usyk, however, appears to be the rare champion who may retire at the height of his dominance.

Several reasons explain this:

Family Commitments: Usyk is a husband and father of four. Spending more time with his family away from the dangers of boxing is likely a major factor.

Health and Legacy: Unlike other heavyweights who stay past their prime, Usyk still looks sharp. By leaving early, he avoids unnecessary damage while preserving his legacy as an unbeaten champion.

New Opportunities: Acting, endorsements, and other ventures offer a future that doesn’t involve taking punches.

Fulfilled Goals: Usyk has already achieved everything in boxing—undisputed in two divisions and victories over the best of his era. There’s nothing left to prove.

The Appeal of Acting for Usyk

For Usyk, acting may not just be a side project—it could be his next career.

Unlike boxing, acting doesn’t require brutal training camps, weight cuts, or risking concussions. It allows him to showcase his personality, explore creativity, and stay in the public eye. With his natural charisma, unique look, and global recognition, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hollywood and European cinema alike welcomed Usyk into more roles.

And as he demonstrated in The Smashing Machine, he doesn’t need to reinvent himself. Just like fellow fighters who transitioned into film—from Tony Bellew in Creed to Antonio Tarver in Rocky Balboa—Usyk’s reputation as a fighter makes him believable on screen.

The Rock Factor: Learning from Dwayne Johnson

Working alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also provides Usyk with a blueprint. Johnson transitioned from wrestling into Hollywood and became one of the most bankable stars in the world. While Usyk may not reach those heights, the exposure from being in a major Johnson-led project could open countless doors.

For Usyk, it’s not just about being in a movie. It’s about showing he can take on a role convincingly and building credibility for future projects.

Still at His Peak—But Choosing to Exit

The irony of Usyk’s situation is that, physically and competitively, he has never been better. His unbeaten record against the elite—beating Joshua twice, Fury twice, and Dubois twice—demonstrates that he is not slowing down.

No one is urging him to retire. There is no looming threat to his dominance. Yet Usyk seems more prepared than anyone else to step away on his own terms.

That, in itself, is the mark of a champion. It’s not just about knowing how to win in the ring—it’s about knowing when it’s time to walk away.

Usyk’s Future Beyond Boxing

So what lies ahead for Oleksandr Usyk?

One Final Title Defense: Likely against the Parker vs. Wardley winner.

Acting Roles: With The Smashing Machine gaining Oscar buzz, more projects could follow.

Exhibition or Crossover Fights: While not legacy fights, they could provide massive paydays.

Mentorship and Coaching: Usyk could also invest time in the next generation of fighters.

What’s certain is that Usyk is no longer confined to being “just” a boxer. He is already transitioning into a broader public figure — an athlete, an entertainer, and perhaps soon, a full-fledged actor.

A Champion in Transition

Oleksandr Usyk stands at a crossroads that every great fighter eventually faces. Unlike many, he appears ready to embrace what comes next with grace and purpose.

By starring in The Smashing Machine, Usyk is showing the world that he’s already preparing for life beyond the ring. And while his days as a boxer may be numbered, his days as a global figure are far from over.

Whether it’s one more fight, a Hollywood career, or simply more time with his family, Usyk has earned the right to choose his future. And if his career so far is any indication, he will step into that future the same way he’s stepped into every challenge—as a true champion.