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.”
‘Robust nation’
Born within the Crimean city of Simferopol, Usyk was accused by many Ukrainians again in 2014 of sitting on the fence over Russia’s annexation of the peninsular. He was additionally castigated for saying that Russians and Ukrainians have been the identical folks.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, nevertheless, the tune modified and the armed forces confirmed their full help for Usyk following his victory.
“Ukraine is as soon as once more displaying that it’s a robust nation able to combating for its identification, its language, its tradition and its traditions,” mentioned Mikola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Power.
A combating unit posted an enthusiastic message: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to those that defend it and to those that glorify it!”
For tv presenter and actor Sergiy Prytula, Usyk’s win was a lift for your complete nation. “He gained in the present day. And with him, Ukraine has gained. And when Ukraine wins, he and all of us will win along with her!” he posted.
Jamala, the Ukrainian winner of the 2016 Eurovision Music Contest, posted, “Due to you! We’re proud.”
By including the WBC title of his opponent of the day to his WBA, WBO and IBF trophies, Oleksandr Usyk is the primary boxer to develop into undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.