As Oleksandr Usyk prepares to put his three heavyweight world championship belts on the line in a rematch with Tyson Fury, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on Usyk’s beginnings as a professional fighter.
Known as 'The Cat' for his agility and tactical brilliance, Usyk transitioned from a stellar amateur career to the pro ranks at the relatively advanced age of 26 on November 9, 2013.
His debut fight against Mexico’s Felipe Romero was the first step in a journey that would lead him to heavyweight greatness.
DAZN News dives into the story behind this pivotal moment in boxing history.
Who is Felipe Romero?
Felipe Romero, a Mexican heavyweight known as El Indio, was a seasoned professional by the time he faced Usyk. Hailing from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Romero had built a reputation as a durable and gritty fighter.
With a professional record that included notable wins and battles against strong competition in Mexico, Romero was chosen as a test for Usyk's pro debut.
At the time, Romero’s experience (16-7-1) made him a credible opponent to challenge the Ukrainian, providing a valuable gauge of Usyk's potential in the paid ranks.
The role of the Klitschko Brothers and K2 Promotions
Oleksandr Usyk’s transition to the professional stage was overseen by K2 Promotions, the boxing management company founded by heavyweight legends Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.
The Klitschko brothers, compatriots of Usyk, played a pivotal role in nurturing Ukrainian boxing talent and providing a platform for fighters like Usyk to shine on the global stage.
K2 Promotions ensured that Usyk’s debut was a high-profile affair, held in Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of a card designed to showcase the next generation of Ukrainian boxing stars.
The Klitschko’s endorsement and mentorship gave Usyk a strong foundation, helping him seamlessly adapt to the professional scene.
Romero vs. Usyk: November 9, 2013
The fight took place at the Palace of Sports in Kyiv, and the atmosphere was electric as fans came out to support their national hero.
From the opening bell, Usyk demonstrated the skill, speed, and precision that had defined his amateur career. He out manoeuvred Romero with sharp footwork, landing crisp combinations and controlling the pace of the fight.
Usyk’s relentless pressure proved too much for the tough Mexican, and the referee stopped the bout in the fifth round. The TKO victory not only marked Usyk’s professional debut but also signalled the arrival of a new force in boxing.
Where’s Felipe Romero now?
Felipe Romero continued to compete professionally for several years after his bout with Usyk. While he never reached the heights of world championship contention, Romero remained an active figure in the Mexican boxing scene, often serving as a gatekeeper for rising talent.
Now retired, Romero is remembered for his toughness and for playing a small but significant role in the early career of one of boxing’s modern greats.
When Romero retired in November 2022 his record was 21-22-1. The Usyk bout marked a turning point for Romero - while he won the three bouts immediately after the Usyk fight, he then went on a poor run that saw him suffer 14 defeats interspersed with just two final wins.
Legacy of Usyk’s professional debut
Usyk’s victory over Felipe Romero was the first step in a journey that would see him conquer the cruiserweight division and later become the unified heavyweight champion.
Guided by the Klitschko’s and his unrelenting work ethic, Usyk’s debut showed glimpses of the brilliance that would define his career.
As he prepares for another epic clash with Tyson Fury, the memory of that November night in Kyiv stands as a reminder of how far he has come.
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