The reigning heavyweight world champion has stepped into a new role as First Vice President of Ukrainian Premier League club Polissia Zhytomyr, where he was previously listed as a forward, and has already outlined the areas he plans to reshape at a structural level.

A New Status: From Player to Executive

Club president Hennadii Butkevych and Oleksandr Usyk have signed an agreement that brings the boxer into Polissia’s top management. While Usyk had previously spoken about his intention to appear on the pitch in UPL matches, his role now extends far beyond the game itself.

Usyk frames the decision in practical terms: an opportunity to engage with sport on a systemic level—shaping development, standards, and the rules that define it.

A Focus on Refereeing Reform

Among his first priorities is addressing officiating. The focus is on increasing transparency and rebuilding trust in refereeing—an issue that has long been a point of tension in Ukrainian football.

Usyk emphasizes that he intends to bring into management the same principles that defined his career: discipline, clear rules, and accountability in decision-making.

What We Know About His Role at Polissia

Usyk signed with the Zhytomyr-based club in July 2023, the same year Polissia earned promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League. He has already appeared for the team in friendly matches, including games against Veres Rivne and during winter training camps in Spain.

On the club’s official website, Usyk remains listed as a forward wearing number 17, although he does not appear in the official UPL squad registration.

A New Chapter

In March 2026, his appointment was formalized. Usyk is now responsible not for results on the field, but for the club’s strategic direction—and based on his initial statements, his ambitions appear to extend well beyond a single team.