Usyk represents Ukraine's hopes in the historic fight.
In 25 years, boxing will have a clear heavyweight world champion. The highly anticipated fight between Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk is causing a stir in the boxing community - and Ukraine hopes it will send a message against Russia. While legends are being made, a controversial event awaits.
Wladimir Klitschko understands all too well that the hopes of an entire nation rest on Alexander Usyk. With just one knockout in the "Fight of the Century" against Tyson Fury, the boxing champion, who has been a folk hero in war-torn Ukraine for years, could become a true legend of the sport. As the undisputed heavyweight world champion, as the successor to Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, Usyk would surpass even the great Klitschko.
Yet a victory for Usyk would also be an inspiring signal for the country, which is fighting for its survival in the war against Russia, which is why Klitschko has traveled to Riyadh as a fervent fan of his fellow countryman. "I'm here to amplify our country's visibility and support," said the former world champion in a video message: "And it's a historic fight for boxing. It will produce the first Ukrainian heavyweight champion to unify all titles!"
Millions of Ukrainians and Klitschko, whom Fury defeated in 2015, are eager to see Usyk crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years on Sunday evening (midnight/DAZN). The last champion with all the titles was Lennox Lewis. A triumph would be "extremely important for my country," said Usyk, who had to wait several months because the original fight date in February couldn't be kept due to Fury's training injury.
Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, is far from the underdog in this duel of the unbeaten with the British WBC world champion Fury (35 fights, 34 wins, one draw). "Usyk is mentally stronger," said former Klitschko manager and DAZN expert Bernd Bönte to the SID. "I've hardly seen such a cool guy. None of this fazes him at all. And above all, Usyk is boxing for his country. That's extra motivation for him."
The 37-year-old, who has won all 21 of his professional fights, is remarkably calm and collected in interviews these days, occasionally sharing a joke. At the press conference on Thursday evening, Usyk attempted to make eye contact with his opponent during the face-off, but Fury evaded eye contact and continued with his usual antics.
The Fury camp, as often happens, has been playing mind games for days. Father John even got into a fight with Usyk's team earlier in the week, sustaining a cut in the process. Fury's son mocked Usyk at every opportunity, referring to him as "an ugly rabbit with a gap in his teeth," although the 35-year-old acknowledged that he was "probably the best opponent I've ever faced." With Usyk's extensive accolades - undisputed champion at cruiserweight and an Olympic champion - it would be foolish to undermine him.
The decisive factor will be how Usyk handles the size difference, as Fury is 15 centimeters taller (2.06 meters). According to Bönte, however, the Ukrainian is "better in many areas. He has better footwork. The agility, the dominance in the ring." Although Fury is a skilled technician, he'll need a real fight to escape Usyk's reach. "If the fight is a boxing match, Usyk wins," says Bönte. "If the fight is a street fight, Fury wins."
While Saudi Arabia is frequently criticized internationally for human rights issues, the deaths of refugees at the border, and the war in Yemen, they have hosted major sports events for years. The Saudis have their sights set on the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and the biggest boxing fights now take place in Riyadh. The LIV Tour is luring numerous top golfers. Human rights organizations and critics accuse the kingdom of sportswashing.
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Despite his retirement from boxing, Wladimir Klitschko continues to show his support for Ukraine's boxing scene, particularly rooting for Ukrainian heavyweight champion Alexander Usyk in his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury. This fight, taking place in Saudi Arabia, has significant implications not only for boxing but also for Ukraine, as a victory for Usyk could further cement his legend in the sport and send a powerful message against Russia.
Source: www.ntv.de
