A Christmas-less Kingdom: Usyk Finds Strength in Faith Amidst Pre-Fight Hype

In a starkly non-festive setting – a kingdom where Christmas is absent – Oleksandr Usyk has arrived for his highly anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury.

While neighbouring countries display holiday decorations, this central Islamic nation offers only year-round consumerism. Against this backdrop, Usyk’s focus is drawn inward, fueled by his unwavering Orthodox Christian faith and the struggles of Ukrainian soldiers battling Russia.

The heavyweight champion carries a cross from a Greek monastery, a source of strength and a symbol of his belief. This faith, visibly displayed in past fights with banners like “Orthodoxy or death,” is integral to Usyk’s identity.

He fights not just for himself but for his nation and its defenders, finding spiritual absolution in the joy his victories bring to those on the front lines. Even amidst Fury’s pre-fight trash talk, Usyk offers compassion, recalling Fury’s tragedy. As the rematch approaches, Usyk’s inspiration remains clear: faith, country, and the fight for victory.

While Fury has vowed to “smash in the face” of Usyk in their rematch and deliver a “terrible beating” to force a decisive trilogy fight, Usyk maintains respect and compassion toward his opponent. Reflecting on the personal tragedy Fury endured—his wife’s miscarriage in the lead-up to the first fight—Usyk says: “It’s incredibly sad. I pray that everything is fine with them and that the trauma is not so deep that it influences their lives too much. I wish them all the best.”