Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led the tributes to Oleksandr Usyk, whose victory over British fighter Tyson Fury in Riyadh made him the primary undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion in 1 / 4 of a century.
The 37-year-old, who briefly served as a soldier within the Ukrainian military after the Russian invasion of February 2022, spoke of a “nice second […] for me, for my household, for my nation” after his factors victory over Fury in Riyadh the early hours of Sunday morning.
“The Ukrainians hit onerous! And ultimately, all our opponents will likely be defeated,” Zelensky mentioned on Telegram quickly after the combat was over.
Usyk’s success in changing into the primary heavyweight ever to carry 4 belts concurrently reveals that “Ukrainian endurance and power give beginning to Ukrainian victory”, added the pinnacle of state of the war-torn nation.
Kiev mayor Vitali Klitschko — a former world heavyweight champion boxer — careworn that Usyk “confirmed the world that Ukrainians are able to defeating a powerful opponent in a troublesome combat”.
“This victory is essential victory for Ukraine in the present day,” mentioned Klitschko, who held the WBO and WBC titles albeit not concurrently.
His youthful brother Wladimir Klitschko — one other ex-heavyweight world champion — was ringside in Saudi Arabia however echoed his sibling’s phrases. “Are you able to think about how a lot strain this man had these previous weeks and right here on this ring? Shedding was not an choice,” he advised Sky Sports activities.
“It doesn’t matter how large, how tall, how heavy, what his attain is and the way cellular Tyson Fury was, Oleksandr Usyk confirmed he’s one of the best fighter in trendy historical past,” Wladimir added. “I’m very happy with Oleksandr Usyk and I’m very proud to be Ukrainian.”