Recently-crowned Undisputed Heavyweight Boxing Champion Oleksandr Usyk has joined the cast of The Smashing Machine, a biopic starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as the main lead. Dwayne expressed his excitement about working with the boxing champion. The film is set to be released in late 2024 and is based on the life of the great mixed martial artist Mark Kerr.
The Rock expressed his excitement for working with Usyk
Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia on May 18, 2024, to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. The Ukrainian will play the character of former MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn in the movie. Vovchanchyn was a Ukrainian fighter who fought significant bouts with Kerr in 1999 and 2000. This role will mark Usyk’s acting debut in Hollywood. The Rock shared an Instagram post on Monday announcing the boxer’s role in the movie. He even jokingly wrote in the caption, “Don’t break my jaw champ.”
Johnson further wrote, “An honor to have the newly crowned Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World @usykaa join our cast of ‘The Smashing Machine.’ Usyk will play the role of Igor Vovchanchyn – the real-life Ukrainian MMA legend who had legendary fights during the extreme no-holds-barred era of Mixed Martial Arts and one historic fight against the Smashing Machine himself, Mark Kerr. I have huge respect for Oleksandr Usyk and [it] will be my honor to share the ring with him – as he knocks my jaw into next week. Looking forward to working with you, my brother.”
The film promises to portray the brutal & early world of MMA
During his career, Mark Kerr won two UFC Heavyweight Championship tournaments in July and October 1997. He retired from MMA in 2009 after a tough end to his career that saw him lose 12 of his final 15 matches. Kerr’s rematch against Vovchanchyn was among one of these losses, as their initial encounter ended in a no-contest. The upcoming biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’ promises to offer a gripping portrayal of the brutal as well as enthralling world of early MMA. The film is directed by Benny Safdie and it aims to capture the intensity and drama of Mark’s career.
Also Read: Huge Purses for the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch revealed
Usyk’s presence in the film will make it more interesting. Apart from acting in the film, ‘The Cat’ is also preparing for his highly anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury, which is set to be held in December. His entering into acting in this important role also marks a new chapter in his career.
