Unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has voiced his thoughts on British boxing fans.
Usyk, 37, defeated Tyson Fury, 36, for a second time at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening.
This means the Ukrainian has now beaten five British fighters in his 22-fight professional career.
The former undisputed cruiserweight world champion beat Tony Bellew in Manchester back in 2018.
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Just over two years later, in just his second fight at heavyweight, he beat Derek Chisora with a convincing unanimous points decision victory.
In September 2021, he won the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles when he outboxed Anthony Joshua at the Tottenham Stadium before beating him for a second time in August 2022.
Next up was Joshua’s fellow Brit, Daniel Dubois, who Usyk knocked out in the ninth round of their bout in Wroclaw, Poland, back in August 2023.
Before his two encounters with Fury, both ending in victory for the 37-year-old.
Despite beating all his British challengers, his honest, eccentric, but respectful personality has allowed him to form a good relationship with the majority of fight fans.
But what does he think about fans from the UK?
Well, while appearing to be aboard a flight on Monday morning, he said [via DAZN]: “My English fans, thank you so much for your support.
“For me, it’s very important, I appreciate it.”
But Saturday’s bout against Fury may not be the last time British fans catch a glimpse of the unbeaten Ukrainian.
After his victory in Riyadh, Dubois interrupted a post-fight interview and demanded to fight him again.
"Usyk! I want my revenge," Dubois said after entering the ring.
"Well done on tonight. God bless.
"I want my revenge for the robbery last time."
Of course, the ‘robbery’ mentioned refers to a moment in round five of their previous bout. Dubois caught Usyk, who fell to the ground.
However, the referee deemed the shot a low blow and, instead of calling a knockdown, allowed Usyk time to recover, which he did before boxing to victory four rounds later.
"Let's get it," added the Brit.
"Let's go. Where's Frank [Warren]? Make it happen!"
"Mr Excellency, Your Excellency,” Usyk replied.
“Make me fight with Daniel Dubois. Thank you so much."
It is still unclear if the fight will be made, but if so, this would allow Usyk to become a three-time undisputed world champion across two weight classes.
Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Boxing, Anthony Joshua
Luke Davies