Oleksandr Usyk loves UK fans because they “understand boxing”

Oleksandr Usyk has a special bond with UK fight fans, and it’s not just because he’s spent time beating some of their best boxers. For a man who’s conquered both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, the respect and admiration he receives on British soil is unique, especially considering the number of local favorites he’s defeated. But Usyk doesn’t see himself as an outsider; if anything, he feels right at home in front of British crowds. “I love UK fans because a lot of UK fans understand Boxing,” Usyk says, his admiration clear.

It’s an interesting dynamic. Usyk has taken on a string of British heavyweights - Joe Joyce, Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Tyson Fury - and each time, he’s walked away victorious. Despite those wins, UK fans continue to show him love, and it’s not lost on Usyk. He appreciates the passion and knowledge that British fans bring to the sport. “This is just sport,” Usyk says. “I respect these guys. Message on Instagram. They’re my rivals, but we’re friends.”

Take the night Usyk showed up at Wembley to watch Daniel Dubois fight Anthony Joshua for the IBF heavyweight title. Dubois had just come off a loss to Usyk in nine rounds, and Joshua had been bested by the Ukrainian twice before. But there was Usyk, sitting ringside, greeted like an old friend. From MMA star Conor McGregor to even Tyson Fury, Usyk found himself warmly welcomed. The crowd treated him like royalty, a mark of respect for his achievements and character.

This reception isn’t new for Usyk. Back in London’s O2 arena, when he attended the Joe Joyce-Derek Chisora bout, the crowd erupted the moment he appeared on the big screen. Here was a man who had methodically dismantled some of their favorite fighters, yet the cheers weren’t for revenge - they were for recognition. Usyk, ever the humble champion, stood and saluted the fans, acknowledging their applause.

Usyk’s relationship with UK fight fans goes beyond his recent heavyweight battles. It stretches back to his days as a cruiserweight, when he faced Tony Bellew, one of Britain’s most beloved fighters. That fight, too, ended with Usyk victorious, but it didn’t sour the public’s affection for him. In fact, it seemed to solidify it. Maybe it’s because Usyk carries himself with humility and grace. He doesn’t belittle his opponents or indulge in trash talk; he respects them. And that respect goes both ways, both in the ring and out.

Looking ahead, Usyk shows no signs of stepping away from British comPetition. He’s set to face Tyson Fury again in December, a highly anticipated rematch that will draw fans from all over the world. And if he wins, there’s a good chance he’ll find himself in the ring with another British fighter. Daniel Dubois, after all, is hungry for a rematch, and with his recent run of knockouts, the 27-year-old is making a strong case for another shot.

Whether it’s Fury, Dubois, or some other contender down the line, Usyk knows he’ll have a full house of UK fans watching intently. They know the sport. They understand what it takes to reach the top, and they recognize a true champion when they see one. And for Usyk, that’s what makes the connection so special.