YURII
TKACHENKO.

Coaching background

Yurii Ivanovych Tkachenko is an Honoured Coach of Ukraine and an Honoured Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine. He graduated from the National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport.^[1]

He began coaching in 1994 and joined the coaching staff of Ukraine’s men’s national boxing team in 2010.^[1]

Boxers and mentorship

His coaching work includes boxers Denys Berinchyk, Yevhen Barabanov and Yehor Holub.^[1]

Working with Oleksandr Usyk

In November 2018, Usyk publicly announced that he had begun working with Tkachenko. In an interview with USYK17, he explained that they had known each other for many years and had been part of the same team during their amateur careers.^[2]

Their work together became a significant chapter in both careers. Tkachenko’s role in Usyk’s preparation and success was later recognised by the World Boxing Council and by boxing journalists.^{[3] [4]}

Recognition in 2024

The World Boxing Council named Tkachenko its Trainer of the Year for 2024. In announcing the award, the WBC highlighted his contribution to Usyk’s success and the technical quality of his boxing.^[3]

Boxing News also selected Tkachenko as its Trainer of the Year in its review of 2024. These are two separate editorial and sporting recognitions of his coaching work.^[4]