Oleksandr Usyk is a hero in the Ukraine, and for very good reason.
Since February 2022 these have been the darkest times for the nation, since the invasion by the Russian army.
The world has been horrified by the destruction and death caused by the resulting conflict, and wowed by the bravery and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of such terror.
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Usyk’s exploits in the boxing ring have provided brief moments of joy for his compatriots, as he rose to the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion in May – the first since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Usyk the heavyweight king
Oleksandr’s epic win over Tyson Fury to take all the belts saw him recover from deep waters in the middle part of the fight to blast ‘The Gypsy King’ all over the Riyadh ring in the closing stages.
Eventually Usyk would eke out a split decision victory, to much joy back home. It’s a mutual love affair with the fighter himself lauding the bravery of the Ukraine forces.
Recently Oleksandr got to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, and pass on a message to the Ukrainian military as they continue to fight against the Russian invasion.
Usyk showed just how much the country’s efforts mean to him by giving Zelensky a very special gift – a hallowed green and gold WBC heavyweight title belt.
A gift for Zelensky
He told Ukrainian outlet New Voice: “I gave him a belt. He gave gifts to athletes for two or three days, but no one gave him anything. I decided to make such a gesture. He is a fighter, so let the president have the belt.”
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As for the Ukrainian military forces, Usyk’s admiration for them was clear as he told them: “You are tigers, you are incredible! I pray for everyone and you too, please don’t forget to pray for yourself. Thank you, thank God! Glory to Ukraine!”.
Now Usyk is preparing for his next personal fight – an eagerly-awaited rematch vs Fury for the WBC, WBO, WBA and Ring magazine heavyweight titles. That is set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 21.
