Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning world heavyweight champion from Ukraine, has spoken about the upcoming rematch with Anthony Joshua set for August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The fight is framed not only as a pursuit of titles but as a moment with personal significance for Usyk as he carries the hopes of his homeland into the ring.
Speaking about the night in Jeddah, Usyk emphasized that his victory would serve a purpose beyond the ring. He described the moment as a chance to celebrate for the Ukrainian people, a small party that could unfold into a larger communal moment if the win comes. He asserted that his drive to perform at his best comes from a deeper duty to his country, and that the effort in the ring is connected to the resilience and pride of those who have supported him through tough times.
Usyk also shared how his charity work reflects his commitment to those in need back home. He noted that a portion of his earnings from boxing has been directed toward Ukrainian families facing hardship during the ongoing conflict. The boxer’s foundation operates with a team that identifies families in need, assessing their circumstances, and providing practical assistance. The mission is to offer support such as shelter, food, and essential resources, with the aim of helping people regain stability and dignity. This approach remains central to the foundation’s daily activities and its future plans.
In Usyk’s words, the underlying purpose of the foundation is straightforward: when people require food, the team works to supply it; when other kinds of help are needed, they strive to provide it. The emphasis is on a compassionate response that reflects the boxer’s heartfelt commitment to community welfare and to sustaining a positive mindset amid adversity. It is a reminder that sports figures often use their platform to influence lives beyond the arena, aligning athletic achievement with humanitarian action.
Historically, the first encounter between Usyk and Joshua took place on September 25, 2021. That contest concluded with Usyk earning a unanimous decision after 12 rounds, thereby capturing the WBA Super, WBO, IBF and IBO belts and establishing a defining moment in his career. The rematch in 2023, scheduled for the Saudi venue, is viewed by observers as a chance to reaffirm Usyk’s dominance and to potentially shift the landscape of the heavyweight division once more.
Meanwhile, British heavyweight contender Tyson Fury had previously been linked to a bout with Usyk, raising questions about whether such a clash might materialize. Fury later commented on the possibility of ending his own boxing journey, a decision that adds another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight scene and the strategic moves around Usyk’s title defenses.