Exiled family, unusual training, political recovery… Who is boxer Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight boss?

Published on December 22, 2024 at 11:02. / Modified on December 22, 2024 at 1:49 p.m.

5 mins. reading

Tyson Fury had it bad, Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 36-year-old British boxer used many short sentences to say how much he felt cheated by the judges, who had chosen Oleksandr Usyk as the winner of their second confrontation as well as the first seven months earlier. “I won this fight like the previous one. You have to be blind not to have seen it,” he said, before being witty: “It’s a nice Christmas present that was given to Usyk.” And then a hint, but then just a hint of self-criticism all the same: “My goodness, we expose ourselves to this kind of thing when we fail to knock out our opponent…”

All these words, inevitably reported to the winner of the day at a press conference, gave him the opportunity to indulge in what he does best: hit where you don't expect him. What does he think of Fury? “He’s my best friend!” he exclaims, causing laughter from the audience. A great fighter for whom I have nothing but respect, a great guy too, of course he talks a lot, but he helps to motivate me, thanks to him for everything!” The count of rounds won by each person according to the Briton? Big smile: “I won, my friend! We don’t care about any of that anymore.” Each of his answers was a witty retort, but the sequence ended up tiring the man who escorted him to the stage: “I have a question for you, representatives of the media,” he called out. . What else does Oleksandr have to do to prove to you that he is the best?

Follow the news with us and support demanding and independent journalism

→ LAST DAYS! For the end-of-year holidays, take advantage of -25% on your annual subscription ????

Quality information just a click away. Offer valid until December 25, 2024.

I subscribe

Already have an account?
Log in