Top Ukrainian soccer team hails Oleksandr Usyk after coming out victor in Tyson Fury rematch: "Ukrainian strength and power"
Oleksandr Usyk extended his undefeated record to 23-0 after his unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury on Dec. 21. Following the result, 'The Cat' received a tribute on Instagram from top Ukrainian football team, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, who currently occupy the third position in the premier division.
Usyk handed Fury his second consecutive defeat, and the potential for a trilogy bout between the pair has now vanished. The former two-division undisputed champion is now widely regarded as the best heavyweight of this generation, and has received the praise online.
FC Shakhtar Donetsk took to Instagram to laud the champion and wrote:
"Ukrainian strength and power! 🤩 Congratulations on the victory, champion. Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated British fighter Tyson Fury for the second time in their rematch, proving once again that Ukrainians are a nation of winners. Congratulations, Oleksandr! Glory to Ukraine!"
Check out FC Shakhtar Donetsk's post below:
The Ukrainian's domination over both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions of boxing has left him with few options for his next fight. His post-fight speech was interrupted by former opponent, and current IBF heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, who hopes to secure a chance to avenge his defeat to Usyk.
But Dubois has a tough test in the shape of Joseph Parker next, with the pair set to clash in February for the IBF title on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2.
Oleksandr Usyk responds to Tyson Fury's promoter after criticism of judges' scoreards
Oleksandr Usyk secured a unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112. However, Fury's longtime promoter Frank Warren has slammed the official result of the fight, labeling the scorecards as 'dreadful'.
'The Cat' appeared in front of the media following Warren and Fury, where he was informed of the boxing promoter's complaints about the judges. He said:
"Uncle Frank, I think [is] blind. If Tyson says it's a Christmas gift, okay. Thank you God, not Tyson. Thank you, God! Thank you [to] my coach, Yuri. Thank you [to] my coach, Kuba. Thank you [to] my team. Listen, Frank [is] crazy, man. You know? I think. That's my opinion. Okay, no problem. I win."
Check out Oleksandr Usyk's comments below (4:00):