Oleksandr Usyk is joining the cast of The Smashing Machine.
The unified heavyweight boxing champion, not long removed from his title unification win over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will star as PRIDE legend Igor Vovchanchyn, according to MMA Fighting. The “Ice Cold” Ukrainian battled MMA rival Mark Kerr to a “No Contest” at PRIDE 7 in late 1999 before capturing a unanimous decision victory in their PRIDE 12 rematch the following year.
Kerr is played by former WWE champion Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The 37 year-old Usyk, who also holds victories over Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, among others, is expected to run it back with Fury this October in Riyadh. “The Gypsy King” activated his rematch clause shortly after their first go-round, insisting he won the fight. Details are likely to be finalized in the coming weeks, which could dictate when (and how long) Usyk is available to film his part in The Smashing Machine.
For much more on “The Rock’s” upcoming Kerr biopic click here.