Oleksandr Usyk welcomed back to Ukraine by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after victory over Tyson Fury – as heavyweight champion sends New Year’s message

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted Oleksandr Usyk as the boxer returned home after beating Tyson Fury in their rematch to retain his world heavyweight titles.

Usyk defeated Fury via unanimous points decision in the Saudi capital Riyadh last month.

The Ukrainian had become the undisputed champion by just one point in May when he claimed a split decision victory over the Gypsy King.

The rematch proved clearer, as all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in his favor.

Usyk has since returned to Ukraine where he is a national hero, with Zelenskyy sharing a photo on New Year’s Eve praising the star’s achievements.

‘December 31st. Welcome home, champ. We are proud of you,” Zelenskyy wrote.

Usyk had spoken ahead of his victory over Fury about how he is inspired by the efforts of his countrymen in the ongoing war with Russia.

The Ukrainian star is also seen as a beacon of hope in the country, with fans following him amid the ongoing conflict.

Usyk thanked those who continued to fight for Ukraine in a New Year’s message, in which the 37-year-old expressed hope that “the light will always overcome the darkness.”

“Dear friends, Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to everyone,” Usyk said on Instagram.

“Last year we all faced battles and victories, but I am confident that our greatest triumph lies ahead.

‘For the new year, I wish you all confidence in God, in miracles, in yourself, in your strength and the belief that light will always overcome darkness.

“May your loved ones be close, healthy and safe in the coming year.

‘I wish you unity, tolerance and love for your loved ones. Let’s argue less and unite more, supporting each other and those in need.

‘I want to thank God for everything and I am grateful to everyone who prays for me and supports me. I thank everyone who defends and helps our country.

“Dear friends, Happy New Year, Merry Christmas to all, glory to God and glory to Ukraine.”

Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko said he joined Usyk and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a phone conversation ahead of the New Year.

“A NYE with mixed emotions: 3 Champs met in a legend for fun and laughter and wished everyone a healthy 2025,” Klitschko shared on social media.

“Short-lived pleasure as Russia once again sends missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including the capital Kiev, as it has been doing for weeks, months, three years. I will never get used to this ‘new normal’.

‘May 2025 bring real change.’

Ahead of his victory over Fury, Mail Sport presented Usyk with a letter from a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the front lines.

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.

“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!’

Usyk seemed deeply moved by the letter, which he said had given him “extra motivation” for the fight.

He said: ‘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 Kyiv Territorial Defense in a heroic effort to protect his homeland after Russia launched its devastating invasion.

Usyk is expected to take a break after his wins over Fury in 2024, although Daniel Dubois calls him into the ring as he looks for a rematch after his loss to the Ukrainian great last year.