Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Kyiv’s Mayor, former boxer Vitaly Klitschko, on Sunday congratulated their compatriot Oleksandr Usyk who retained his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles by beating Britain’s Anthony Joshua on points , Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
And the reactions of Zelensky and Klitschko testify to the high symbolic value of this victory. “It was difficult, but so important and necessary to achieve this victory,” writes the Ukrainian president. “Defending a world championship title is a symbol that all Cossacks like us never give up, that they fight and in the end they win.”
In the ring, the boxer wore the colors of Ukraine and the words “colors of freedom” on his outfit. In the days leading up to the fight, he had sung a patriotic song in front of the media dressed in a traditional costume, his head shaved except for a Cossack-style lock of hair.
“Glory to Ukraine. Glory to his heroes, ”reacted Klitschko, on his Facebook account. “We continue to prove that we can win: in sport and on the battlefield,” insisted the mayor of kyiv, who like Usyk was WBO world heavyweight champion. He also held the WBC belt.
“Ukraine is a strong country. We will also win against the Russian barbarians. Glory to Ukraine, free and dignified! added Klitschko.
The fight was exceptionally broadcast for free in Ukraine, where Usyk served as a volunteer in the army in February, before accepting this highly anticipated fight against Joshua.