The Ukrainian boxer unfurled a flag with the inscription "Free the defenders of "Azovstal".
The holder of the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO heavyweight titles Oleksandr Usyk appeared at the weigh-in ceremony on the eve of the rematch against former champion Tyson Fury with an important message message.
The Ukrainian boxer came to the event with a flag that read “Free Azovstal Defenders”.
Thus, Alexander reminded the whole world about the defenders of “Azovstal”, who continue to be held captive by the Russian occupiers.
Note that then the Ukrainian and the Briton showed their weight, as well as held the final duel of glances.
The Usyk-Fury rematch will take place on December 21 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). All titles held by the Ukrainian boxer will be at stake.
A text online broadcast of the Usyk-Fury rematch is available on our website.
See also: Usyk-Fury: predictions of famous boxers, coaches and promoters for the rematch
Unlike the first fight, this time the title of absolute world champion will not be at stake, since Alexander had previously renounced the IBF title. Now it is owned by Briton Daniel Dubois, who has already managed to defend it by knocking out his compatriot Anthony Joshua.
Recall that on the night of May 19, 2024, Usyk defeated Fury by split decision in a fight for the title of absolute world heavyweight champion. At the end of the ninth round, Alexander knocked his opponent down.
Thus, Alexander defended the WBO, WBA, IBO and IBF belts, and also took the WBC title from the “Gypsy King”. Usyk became the first absolute world champion in the heavyweight division in the 21st century.
Before that, the last “absolute” heavyweight champion was Lennox Lewis, who won this status in 1999, when he defeated Evander Holyfield. At that time, the WBA, WBC and IBF titles were at stake. The WBO belt was recognized as equal in 2007, so Usyk became the first “absolute” heavyweight champion in history with four main titles.