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Oleksandr Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury in a historic battle in Saudi Arabia this Saturday night. The Ukrainian champ, a fervent follower of his Cossack heritage, draws inspiration from legendary warlord Ivan 'The Wolf' Sirko as he vies to become the first undisputed heavyweight ruler in a quarter century.
Usyk, 37, who holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, is steeped in Cossack tradition, honoring his ancestors through his attire, grooming, and cultural practices. His reverence for Sirko, a 17th-century military icon feared by foes and celebrated in folk songs, fuels his fighting spirit. Usyk shared a chilling inspiration from Sirko's lore: the warlord's severed hand, carried into battles long after his death, terrorized enemies who recognized it as a potent symbol of his enduring might.
Unlike his British opponent, known for his brash trash-talking, Usyk focuses more on his spiritual and historical convictions. He dismissively referred to Fury's verbal jabs as "rubbish," expressing a preference for a more ancient form of combat, reminiscent of his idol Sirko: "When I have a sword and a horse we can fight in a field."
Usyk says this is not about just the money
The Ukrainian's wife, Yekaterina Usyk, also plays a crucial role in his system. She has been a steadfast presence at every one of his 21 professional victories and, thanks to a delay caused by Fury's sparring injury, will not miss this monumental clash. Usyk views this serendipitous timing as divine intervention, saying, "My wife is my power."
Despite enduring prolonged negotiations and overcoming obstacles to secure this bout, Usyk remains indifferent to the staggering financial stakes, which could see each fighter pocketing upwards of $125 million . For him, the fight transcends monetary gain: "Money is just a side-effect of boxing. I need this fight. I need to be world undisputed heavyweight champion."
As fight night approaches, the stage is set not only for a titanic sporting event but also for a cultural homage to a warrior ethos centuries in the making. Usyk vs. Fury isn't just a battle for titles; it's a modern-day saga woven with the threads of history, personal conviction, and unyielding spirit.