The Rock opens up on sparring with Oleksandr Usyk for new MMA movie Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson hails ‘amazing’ boxer in new movie
- Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has spoken about filming fight scenes with undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk for their new film, The Smashing Machine.
- Johnson praised Usyk's character but admitted he quickly became aware of the boxer's deceptive strength and speed during their physical interactions.
- He described Usyk as a "bad dude" and "so fast", joking that a slipped punch could have sent him to the hospital.
- Co-star Emily Blunt revealed that Usyk had a fondness for cake, which was used to encourage him to apply fake sweat for continuity during filming.
- Usyk is currently recovering from a back injury and is not expected to return to boxing until 2026, having last fought in July against Daniel Dubois.