In what’s already shaping as much as turn out to be certainly one of the nice boxing rivalries, perhaps sooner or later joining the likes of Pacquiao and Marquez or Ali and Foreman, heavyweight champions Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will on Saturday night face off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on the road.
Earlier this yr, Ukraine’s Usyk inflicted the British champion’s first profession defeat in a split decision based on points. That match unified boxing’s various championship belts in the primary undisputed title fight since 1999, when Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield before being stripped of certainly one of the belts in 2000. The rematch has turn out to be one of the crucial fiercely anticipated bouts in many years, with British media reporting a prize purse of £150 million ($190 million), of which Usyk is predicted to receive the larger share.
However, perhaps essentially the most unique thing about this match might be the common bond the 2 men share. In a sport dominated by excess and violence, they’ve each turn out to be well-known for his or her willingness to speak openly about their Christian faith and the central role it has played of their lives.
Speaking with boxing reporter Steve Bunce within the lead-up to their last fight, Fury spoke concerning the faith each he and his opponent share.
“We are the 2 biggest Christians in boxing,” Fury said. “Without failure, I can train all I need, but whoever God desires to win this fight will win. It doesn’t matter if you happen to’re from the gutter or the dominion of wherever.
“Listen, being a champion is great. But to see someone who can also be a world champion and has big faith in God is unbelievable. Beautiful.”
A sometimes controversial figure, Fury’s discussions of his faith have often been raw and honest, reflecting a person who has struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine within the aftermath of a positive drug test almost a decade ago, Fury revealed his parlous mental state and the way his faith had kept him from falling over the sting.
“I finished all of it on the primary of the month,” he said in response as to whether he was still taking cocaine. “I’m attempting to ignore all of it. I’m putting boxing behind me, the drinking, the drugs, just getting back within the church and right with God.”
While he still has his brushes with trouble, Fury has carved out a remarkable redemption story, becoming an advocate for mental health and being recognised as an undefeated champion after beating Deontay Wilder in 2019.
“I would really like to say thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus, I won this fight tonight again,” Fury said in a post-match interview after their 2021 rematch. “I give Him the glory; He gives me the victory.”
Usyk is a far more quietly spoken champion than the brash Tyson, but has been just as open concerning the importance of his faith.
After winning his last bout against Fury, and claiming the heavyweight crown, Usyk’s first act after the bell was to ask his trainer to carry a crucifix to his lips.
“It was a gift from the chief monk at certainly one of the monasteries that I’m going to,” the devout Orthodox Christian said, talking to the Sunday Times. “It gave me strength and led me to victory. When I touched it, I felt the love of God.”
He went on to disclose he’s aware of among the contradictions some might see in a Christian pursuing such a violent path.
“I see myself as a sinner. I needed his help to beat my sins,” he said, just for the interviewer to ask what sins he was referring to.
“That foremost one was that I used to be hitting a person within the face.”
Their different approaches have led to some prickly interactions, with the notoriously voluble Fury attempting to rattle Usyk with some traditional boxing trash talk, however the Ukrainian continues to refuse to have interaction in aggression outside the ring. It is obvious, though, that beneath the PR stunts and marketing displays that sell tickets, the 2 men share a deep admiration for one another.
“Tyson now speaks lower than he used to. Maybe he has modified,” Usyk said. “I don’t have any anger towards him, only respect.”
