Oleksandr Usyk opens letter from Ukrainian soldier fighting on the frontline as heavyweight champion opens Christmas gifts with Mail Sport
- Oleksandr Usyk returns to the ring on December 21 to face Tyson Fury again
- Usyk defeated Fury last time out to become the undisputed heavyweight champion
- Join Mail+ for more exclusive scoops, in-depth reporting and analysis ahead of the highly anticipated Fury-Usyk rematch on Saturday
Ahead of his fight against Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk opened a heartfelt letter from a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the front lines.
The Ukrainian defeated the Gypsy King on points earlier this year to become the undisputed world champion. He came back from a few tough rounds midway through the fight and finished strong.
Usyk almost put Fury away in the ninth round of an enthralling fight, rocking the Brit with a flurry of 14 unanswered punches that left his opponent leaning on the ropes for support.
The 36-year-old somehow survived the onslaught and made it to the end of the match, only losing on points, but has a chance at redemption on Saturday when he will look to make amends for the only defeat of his career to date to make.
Ahead of the fight, Usyk sat down for an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, where he addressed his training regime, previewed the fight and opened a letter from a Ukrainian soldier.
The letter read: ‘Dear Mr. Oleksandr. My name is also Oleksandr, my nickname is ‘Shket (Kid/Lad)’. I am a fighter of the tactical special unit GRIM of the 41st separate brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Oleksandr Usyk has opened a letter from a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the front lines
Mail Sport joined Usyk in camp ahead of his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21
“My brothers and I watch all your fights whenever possible and support you with all our hearts. We are proud that the glory of Ukrainian boxing is now resounding so loudly. It has always been very important, and now every victory for Ukraine is priceless.
“We know what hard work is and what every victory is worth, in the ring or on the steppes of Donbas.
‘My brothers and I defended Kiev, then fought at Bakhmut and liberated Kherson. You inspire us, and we will be worthy of Ukrainian glory and everyone who works for it.
‘We’re rooting for you. We wish you victory and success. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you again this time. I hope you will feel our support even from afar. All our efforts will lead to the most important thing: to our common victory!
‘We are rooting for you, we are praying, we wish you success! Together to victory!’
As Usyk carefully unfolded the letter, he took a deep breath before reading it out loud.
The soldier’s words were raw and heartfelt, a deeply personal message of gratitude to Usyk for being a beacon of hope in unimaginable times. In those moments, the chaos around them ceased and Usyk’s triumphs became their light in the darkness.
The Ukrainian heavyweight will be looking for his second victory over the British heavyweight
When Usyk finished reading, he paused, visibly moved. He closed the letter, opened it again and reread the words as if to take in each line more deeply.
He said: ‘This gives me extra motivation. This is a real man, a real soldier who supports my country, who helps me and the people of Ukraine.
“I am very grateful to Oleksandr and our Ukrainian soldiers who support my country and fight to protect it. I do this for them.’
In 2022, Usyk enlisted in the Kiev Territorial Defense in a heroic effort to protect his homeland afterwards Russia launched his devastating invasion.