Heavyweight champ points to Christ

The new heavyweight boxing champion of the world says he owes his title to Christ.

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed four-belt heavyweight champion of the world in the history of boxing. The 37-year-old won by split decision at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, condemning Fury to a first defeat in his 16-year career ahead of a potential rematch later this year.

Usyk, who is Ukrainian, is reported to be an Orthodox Christian, having been converted in hospital when he was a boy.

Speaking after the match at the ringside, Usyk said: ‘I thank God for the help He gave me today because He did give me a lot today. My Lord is Jesus Christ.’

He often wears a crucifix when fighting and said after a previous win over Anthony Joshua in 2021: ‘The only thing I wanted to do with this fight is to give praise to my Lord Jesus Christ and to say that all comes from Him.’

Then, following his rematch with Joshua in 2022, which saw him retain his world titles, he told Sky News: ‘I want to thank everyone who prayed for me. I want to thank God for the help that He gave me today, because He did give me a lot today. My Lord is Jesus Christ.’

In what many have described as a fight of two halves, Usyk asked for a crucifix to be given to him after the seventh round, following a positive start from Fury. He appeared to kiss it before the fight resumed, and he went on to perform better as the contest progressed, with an onslaught on his British opponent in round nine proving crucial to his victory.