Professional sport is an unforgiving career path, both inside and out of the arena. Boxing, for many, might be the toughest of them all to conquer on the biggest world stages.
Oleksandr Usyk's feat, as a two-weight world champion, is an achievement that automatically ranks him among the greats of the ring, a man whose pedigree is undoubtable.
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But behind every man inside the ropes is a village outside of them - and few figures have been as crucial to ensuring the power behind the throne as Sergey Lapin.
A former amateur journeyman-turned-businessman, the team manager and Ready to Fight chief executive officer has had Usyk's ear along the path to heavyweight greatness.
Now, as The Cat faces Tyson Fury for a second time at Riyadh Season's Reignited on DAZN Pay-Per-View, DAZN takes a look at the place Lapin holds in the boxing landscape.
Who is Sergey Lapin?
As one of the trusted confidants within Usyk's immediate entourage, Lapin has brought a shrewd professionalism to his role that has helped shape the Ukrainian's journey so far.
A key figure across multiple fields, he not only holds a multifaceted position dealing with fight strategy but also commercial logistics and decision-making as a critical advisor.
His business, Ready to Fight, effectively doubles down on his creed, and indicates an insider's knowledge of boxing's professional infrastructure to help maximise results.
How has he shaped Oleksandr Usyk's success?
There is no discounting that Usyk is ultimately the architect of his own success - a former Olympian who has turned gold-medal glory at London 2012 into a glittering career.
But Lapin's position has helped to facilitate his rise through cruiserweight, and then heavyweight, with a minimal fuss. Despite being 37, The Cat has only 22 professional bouts.
His role and meticulous planning has effectively streamlined an ascent through two different divisions, smoothly integrating multiple factors to deliver the most efficient route.
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How has he sold the superstar to the world?
The biggest names in boxing have traditionally come with outsized personalities to match, a relentless bravado or an ice-cold precision to leave their mark on the divisions.
Usyk falls somewhere in-between. He is less brash on the surface than rival Fury, but not above entertainment with his own image, such as his Hitman stunt before this next fight.
Lapin is key, cutting out the chaos by maintaining relationships with promoters, governing bodies and more. His tactics has helped him paint Usyk as a master of mental control.
How has he delivered beyond the ring?
Beyond that, Lapin operates the broader business ventures and commercial opportunities tied to Usyk's career and persona, both for stakeholders at home and abroad.
Ready to Fight has helped him do this, offering a sophisticated network and apparatus that has been utilised to effectively control the star's public image and appeal with skill.
While he may not be earning his flowers from the crowd any time soon, there can be little doubt that Lapin is a key orchestrator to Usyk's success - and remains firmly on top too.
Watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN PPV - Buy Now
The Oleksandr Usyk/Tyson Fury rematch and full undercard is a DAZN Pay-Per-View (PPV) worldwide event and will cost £24.99 in the UK / $39.95 in the US. For prices in your region click here.
A PPV event means buying this fight night is a single one-off payment, with no subscription requirement or extra costs. Buying the Usyk vs. Fury 2 PPV on DAZN brings great benefits.
This includes a range of options to watch the fight, from the traditional commentary to watchalongs with True Geordie or ShowBizz; the best broadcast team including Kate Scott, Ade Oladiop, Andy Lee, Darren Barker and Eddie Hearn; and commentary in multiple languages (languages TBC).
The PPV also comes with a seven-day free trial of the whole DAZN platform. This provides access to action from the UEFA Women's Champions League, NFL, PDC Darts, LIV Golf, Super League Basketball and Saudi Pro League.
The Usyk vs. Fury fight and all DAZN content can be watched anywhere and everywhere on any device via the DAZN App. Watch on smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and any device with a web browser.
Buy Usyk vs. Fury 2 PPV on DAZN now.
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