Bohdan Myronets is not trying to be the next Oleksandr Usyk, but rather just wants to be himself. As he puts it, he wants to be the most underrated boxer in the world.
The heavyweight Myronets is now focusing on coming to the United States after signing a promotional deal with DMG Boxing and Promotions.
Myronets, 10-1 (5 KOs), is steadfast in his belief that he is here to stake out his own journey. Myronets, who originally hails from Kyiv, Ukraine, and now resides in Riga, Latvia, will obviously draw certain comparisons to the heavyweight great Usyk, another Ukrainian.
“If someone compares me to a Usyk, it will be a compliment to me, but I am not the second Usyk,” Myronets said. “I am the first Myronets. I have my own path, without an outstanding amateur career, without sponsors, without competent media promotion.”
Myronets, 31, most recently fought last December, defeating unbeaten Jose Larduet in Germany. Myronets credits Igor Mesmer, his coach, for his development, as he is described by those who best know him as a ‘smooth operator’ with a high punch output.
“What I have already achieved is the result of only my work and a few people who believe in my potential,” Myronets said. “I definitely believe that I am the most underrated boxer in the world. My hard work and skills will lead me to the championship. It is only a matter of time.”
Then there is the blemish on his record, which Myronets doesn’t like to talk about as much as where he’s headed.
“My loss, I can say that it had to happen, and it's good that it happened right at the beginning of my career,” Myronets said. “It made me rethink my approach to things.”
Not lacking confidence, Myronets awaits an opportunity to face the top names as soon as possible. He believes that now, with a promoter behind him, he can lobby for fights that can allow him to display his talents.
“I am already one of the best in the world,” Myronets said. “In 2-3 years, when I reach the peak of my physical and technical condition, I will be the best.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.
