Oleksandr Usyk has promised to fight in his homeland, Ukraine, before he retires. Usyk, who holds an undefeated record of 23 wins with 14 knockouts, is set to face Daniel Dubois for the second time at London’s Wembley Stadium in a match to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. Having earned widespread respect across two weight divisions, including Olympic gold and multiple world titles, Usyk has one final goal to achieve in his career: to compete in Ukraine.
Despite not having fought in Ukraine since 2015, Usyk’s plans were disrupted by Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. Speaking to ESPN ahead of his fight with Dubois, Usyk expressed his deep desire to see the war end and emphasized his commitment to finishing what he started. Currently training in Spain, he noted that while he could train in Ukraine, the lack of sparring partners due to the ongoing conflict has been a major obstacle.
After the invasion, Usyk joined Ukraine’s territorial defense forces alongside fellow boxing champion Vasiliy Lomachenko. His return to boxing is seen as a morale booster for his nation, and he maintains an impressive record against British fighters. Usyk has previously defeated Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, and Anthony Joshua twice, as well as Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury in fights held in Poland.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans because it highlights Usyk’s unwavering dedication to his country amid conflict, showing heart and resilience beyond the ring. His eventual return to fight in Ukraine could inspire a new generation of fighters and bring global attention to the sport through a powerful story of patriotism and perseverance.
