Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hostedOleksandr Usyk as boxer returned home after beating Tyson Fury in their rematch to retain his heavyweight world titles.
Usyk overcame Fury via a unanimous points decision in Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh last month.
The Ukrainian had become the undisputed champion by just a single point in May when he claimed a split decision win over the Gypsy King.
The rematch proved more clear-cut as all three judges scored the bout 116-112 in his favour.
Usyk has since returned home to Ukraine, where he is a national hero, with Zelenskyy sharing an image on New Year’s Eve where he lauded the star’s achievements.
‘December 31. Welcome home, champion. We are proud of you,’ Zelenskyy wrote.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, hosted boxing star Oleksandr Usyk on his return to Ukraine
Usyk faced Tyson Fury in a second heavyweight world title fight in Saudi Arabia last month
The Ukrainian earned a unanimous points victory over Fury in their much anticipated rematch
Usyk had spoken ahead of his triumph over Fury about how he has been inspired by the efforts of his countrymen in the ongoing war with Russia.
The Ukrainian star has also been viewed as a beacon of hope in the nation, with fans following along amid the ongoing conflict.
Usyk offered his thanks to those continuing to fight for Ukraine in a New Year’s message, where the 37-year-old offered his hope that ‘light will always overcome darkness’.
‘Dear friends, Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to all,’ Usyk said on Instagram.
‘Last year we all faced battles and victories, but I am sure our greatest triumph will be ahead.
‘For the New Year, I wish you all faith in god, in miracles, in yourselves, in your strength and faith that light will always overcome darkness.
‘May your loved ones be close, healthy and safe in the coming year.
Mail Sport presented Usyk with a letter from a solider ahead of his fight with Fury last month
‘I wish you unity, tolerance and love for your neighbours. Let’s argue less and unite more, supporting each other and those in need.
‘I want to thank god for everything and I am grateful to all who pray for and support me. I thank everyone who defends our country and helps.
‘Dear friends, Happy New Year, Merry Christmas to all, glory to god and glory to Ukraine.’
Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko shared that he had joined Usyk and Arnold Schwarzenegger on a call ahead of the New Year.
‘A NYE with mixed emotions: 3 Champs conferenced in a legend for fun and laughs wishing all a healthy 2025,’ Klitschko shared on social media.
‘Shortlived fun as russia again sends in rockets & drone attacks all over Ukraine including the Capital Kyiv, as it has for weeks, for months, for 3 years. I’ll never get used to this “new normal”.
‘May 2025 bring real change.’
Ahead of his victory over Fury, Mail Sport presented Usyk with a letter from a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the frontline.
The letter read: ‘Dear Mr. Oleksandr. My name is also Oleksandr, my callsign is “Shket (Kid/Lad)”. I am a fighter of the tactical special forces unit GRIM of the 41st separate brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
‘My brothers and I watch all your fights whenever possible and wholeheartedly root for you. We are proud that the glory of Ukrainian boxing is now resounding so loudly. It has always been very important, and now every victory of Ukraine is priceless.
‘We know what hard work is and what every victory is worth, in the ring or in the steppes of Donbas.
‘My brothers and I defended Kyiv, then fought at Bakhmut, liberated Kherson. You inspire us, and we will be worthy of Ukrainian glory and all who work for this.
‘We are rooting for you. We wish you victory and success. This time we will root for you again. I hope you will feel our support even from afar. All our efforts will lead to the main thing – to our Common victory!
‘We keep our fingers crossed for you, we pray, we wish you success! Together to victory!’
Usyk overcome Fury twice in their highly anticipated world title fights during 2024
The star is expected to take a break before deciding when he will return to the boxing ring
Usyk had appeared deeply moved by the letter, which he revealed had given him ‘extra motivation’ for the fight.
He said: ‘This is a real man, a real soldier that is supporting my country, that is helping me and the people of Ukraine.
‘I’m very thankful to Oleksandr and our Ukrainian soldiers who are supporting my country and fighting to protect it. I do this for them.’
Back in 2022, Usyk enlisted with the Kyiv Territorial Defence in a heroic bid to protect his homeland after Russia launched its devastating invasion.
Usyk is expected to take a break following his victories over Fury in 2024, although Daniel Dubois called him out in the ring as he seeks a rematch following his loss to the Ukrainian great the previous year.