US Edition'Complete absurdity:' Usyk Hits Out at Softening Stance Toward Russian Athletes, Plans Fury Fight
Oleksandr Usyk opposes easing restrictions on Russian athletes amid political tensions and confirms plans to fight Tyson Fury while promoting his upcoming bouts.
- Preparing for his May 23, 2026 fight in Egypt, Oleksandr Usyk said 'My opinion has not changed — this should not be happening,' opposing Russia's readmission to elite sport.
- IOC leadership signals have prompted debate, with Coventry last month widely seen as paving the way for Russia’s LA 2028 participation; Russian athletes now compete under their own flag at the Paralympics, and Infantino urges lifting the ban.
- Widely regarded as a two‑weight unified champion, Usyk has been a defiant symbol of Ukraine's strength and routinely wraps himself in Ukraine's flag after wins.
- The world of sport appears to be softening the hardline stance it took when Russia invaded in 2022, as International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry insists athletes should be allowed to 'compete freely'.
- Further down the line he wants a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury, who recently announced his comeback, with both fights in Saudi Arabia, a stage for elite sport.
15 Articles
15 Articles
As Russia continues its war in Ukraine, international sports organizations are increasingly speaking out, and some are already taking action, to reinstate Russian athletes in international tournaments. Such actions have been criticized by legendary Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk.
Associated Press News
'Complete absurdity:' Usyk hits out at softening stance toward Russian athletes, plans Fury fight
Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk remains as convinced as ever that Russian athletes should not be allowed to compete at major sports events, even as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA appear to be softening their stance.
Oleksandr Usyk: Unified Heavyweight World Champion Expects The 'last Dance' Of His Career To Come Against Tyson Fury
The rivalry between Usyk and Fury has already stretched over two fights. Usyk beat Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion in 2024 and then repeated a victory over Fury in their rematch later that year. Fury subsequently retired for the entirety of 2025 but has returned to the sport. The former world titlist could be on a collision course for a third fight with Usyk. Moses Itauma looks set to challenge for a world title this ye…
Usyk makes u-turn on facing former heavyweight champion
appears to have had a change of heart as he plots the fights that will take him to the end of his career. Usyk is the king of the heavyweight division, becoming undisputed on two occasions after twice beating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. He currently holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, […] The post Usyk makes u-turn on facing former heavyweight champion appeared first on Boxing News.
The world of sport seems to be softening the hard line it adopted in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
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