why Usyk celebrated his victory against Fury by raising a saber

World heavyweight champion confirmed after his victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday evening in Riyadh, Oleksandr Usyk has become the symbol of Ukrainian resistance and a country at war with Russia. At the end of his fight in Riyadh, the 37-year-old champion raised a saber protected by a glass frame as a sign of support for his people.

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This piece is extremely valuable. This is a weapon belonging to the Chernihiv city museum which was worn by hetman Ivan Mazepa (1644-1709), hero of Ukrainian independence in the 17th century. In 1708, after entering into an alliance with the Swedish King Charles XII, he launched an anti-Moscow uprising to gain freedom for his nation. In 1991, it was celebrated when Ukraine regained its independence as the USSR fell apart.

Volodymyr Zelensky félicite Usyk

For Usyk, this gesture accomplished in the ring has an extremely strong symbolic value as his country bends but does not break in the face of the Russian army. Moreover, President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to congratulate his compatriot after the defense of his title.

“By retaining the championship belts, Oleksandr proves that we are Ukrainians and that we will never give up what belongs to us”greeted the head of state on Telegram. “Whatever the difficulties, we will win. Whether in the ring, on the battlefield or in the diplomatic arena.blurted the statesman.