What Usyk said right after the fight with Fury: the Ukrainian's first words from the ring stunned everyone.
Alexander Usyk, immediately following a fierce rematch with Tyson Fury, where the Ukrainian triumphed by judges' decision, made a statement from the ring at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
RBC-Ukraine reports on the words Usyk shared right after the fight with Fury.
Usyk's First Words After the Fight with Fury
"I won. Today is an important day for me - my sons also won their judo matches. They told me: 'Dad, you’re next.' I replied: 'Okay,'" Usyk said.
But that's not all.
"I want to dedicate this victory to my mom - Nadezhda Petrovna - and to all the mothers of Ukraine," he added.
When asked what else Usyk should achieve in boxing, he responded: "I want more."
USYK FURY
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
After sharing 24 rounds in the ring, it's all respect between these warriors #Usyk2Fury #RiyadhSeason @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/4jiI3pNIN7
The audience reacted to the Ukrainian boxer's words with loud applause and supportive cheers for Alexander.
Notably, right in the ring, Daniel Dubois requested a rematch with Usyk. The Ukrainian stated that he is ready.
Usyk vs. Dubois NEXT#Usyk2Fury #RiyadhSeason @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/shVblX0tiS
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2024
Usyk also expressed gratitude to the head of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh, for organizing this fight.
"Your Excellency, thank you very much for what you do. This is very important for me and for my country. Thank you," Usyk said.
Meanwhile, Fury declined to comment after the rematch with Usyk. The Brit left the ring immediately after the announcement of the fight's results.
It is worth noting that the rematch went all 12 rounds and concluded with a unanimous decision victory for the Ukrainian - three times 116:112.
In their first bout, which took place on May 18 in Riyadh, Usyk won by split decision. He stripped the British boxer of the WBC title and became the undisputed world champion but later vacated the IBF title.
This was Usyk's seventh fight in the heavyweight division and his fourth defense of the heavyweight world championship title.
Earlier, we discussed what the WBC, WBA, WBO belts signify.