LONDON, England – Oleksandr Usyk was named the British Boxing Board of Control’s Overseas Boxer of the Year at The Board’s awards ceremony on Sunday.
The undefeated heavyweight, 39, in July 2025 stopped Britain’s Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium to reclaim his status as the undisputed champion, and did so having previously beaten Dubois’ compatriot Tyson Fury in successive fights.
“Thank you, British Boxing Board, for this award,” the Ukrainian said via a pre-recorded video. “It’s quite special. I hope to see you again soon in the United Kingdom. Thank you again.”
If Usyk is considered the finest heavyweight of his era – he fights the kickboxer-turned-boxer Rico Verhoeven of the Netherlands on May 23 – then Moses Itauma is widely considered likeliest to succeed him, and the 21 year old was also honoured when he was named the Boxing Writers’ Club’s Young Boxer of the Year.
The Boxing Writers’ Club no longer exists but The Board have continued to carry its respected award, and Itauma – also of Britain – said: “I’m grateful that I’m even able to box. I’m from a country where boxing is a big sport. The fact that I’ve got a platform; the fact that I’ve got a voice and I’ve actually got an opportunity to do what I do, I’m very appreciative.”
Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison was named the Trainer of the Year for his success not only with Itauma but with Fabio Wardley, Leigh Wood and more, and he said: “In usual circumstances this is an individual award, but in my circumstances it’s very much a team effort, so I’d like to give a big thank you to Lee Wylie, Barry Smith, [and] Robert Hodgins. I’m very lucky to get to work with very talented individuals, but more importantly, fantastic characters; fantastic people. We’re very blessed to work with the people we do.”
A Services to Boxing Award was also given to Nigel Travis MBE – the long-term assistant trainer to Jamie Moore – in recognition for his contributions to boxing as one of the founders of the Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club in Manchester, where he coaches and mentors young people from the local area.
