Oleksandr Usyk’s team has just landed in Riyadh to get ready for the first “Heavyweight Unification” match in 25 years, against “angry” Tyson Fury. The famous Ukrainian boxer carries with him his daughter’s “favorite toy donkey” as a lucky charm…
Although Eeryore is just a bored donkey in the Disney universe, this toy animal represents a symbol of hope in Usyk’s small family.
Usyk’s daughter gave her stuffed animal named Liolia to the Ukrainian World Boxing Champion – when their family was forced to flee Ukraine because of the ongoing war.
According to The Sun, Usyk has talked about this toy animal since 2022, revealing that it is also a key member of Team Usyk’s lineup during fight week.
“It belonged to my daughter,” Usyk recounted, “She gave it to me as a talisman. We bought it when the whole family went to Disneyland in Paris.”
“When we left Ukraine together, but the path was temporarily separated in Europe, my daughter gave me this toy and said: “This needs to be with dad.”
“Now, this toy animal sleeps with me, it’s always next to me and she told me to bring it to the team press conference event,” Usyk confided extremely cutely.
“I’m not sure if it will be in the corner when I’m in the ring or not? This donkey is just a lady, so she will probably feel fear. But it will be in the dressing room.”
Inspired by his daughter’s lucky charm, motivated by the challenging spirit of national pride of Ukrainians, Usyk will certainly enter the match on May 18 with great determination and determination. fierce confidence.
The boxer who owns 3 WBA (Super), IBF and WBO heavyweight championship belts told TNT Sports that he wants to dedicate this match to the country and people of Ukraine at home…
“I’m feeling great, just as good as when I attended the 2012 Olympics, with a great desire to move forward.”
“It will be the most important match in my career, my sporting career and my entire sporting life. My victory will be the victory of all Ukrainians, and if it is a defeat, it will only be a personal defeat. What an incredible journey I can take.”
For his part, despite the negative statements on the page and on video-clips on social networks, in the end, “The Gypsy King had to say his honest comments.
“He is right-handed and a southpaw attacker, he has very good movement, good striking skills and good technique. He has proven his ability to put it all together against big heavyweight opponents, because he has beaten Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois.”
“I am dealing with an elite fighter and not only with boxing skills. He’s as stubborn and wants to win as I do.”
“But putting all the outstanding talents and attributes aside, the match will come down to whoever wants to win the most on the ring.”
“If he wants more, he will win. If I want more, the winner will be me again. I just thought my determination and will would surpass his that night.”
“Winning all four ultimate championship belts again is amazing. For the first time in 25 years, all four championship belts will line up under one banner…”.
“From the past, there have been a number of Ultimate Champions who possess undisputed championship status. It was a very special moment, especially for heavyweight boxing, to own all four major championship belts and the presence of two undefeated champions.”
