Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Oleksandr Usyk as the boxer returned home after beating Tyson Fury in their rematch to retain his world heavyweight titles.
Usyk beat Fury by unanimous points decision in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, last month.
The Ukrainian had become the undisputed champion by just one point in May when he scored a split decision victory over Gypsy King.
The rematch was clearer as all three judges scored the fight 116-112 in their favor.
Usyk has since returned to Ukraine, where he is a national hero, and Zelenskyy shared an image on New Year’s Eve in which he praised the star’s achievements.
‘December 31. Welcome home, champion. “We are proud of you,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomed boxing star Oleksandr Usyk on his return to Ukraine.
Usyk faced Tyson Fury in a second world heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia last month.
The Ukrainian earned a unanimous points victory over Fury in their long-awaited rematch.
Before his triumph over Fury, Usyk had spoken of how he had been inspired by the efforts of his compatriots in the ongoing war with Russia.
The Ukrainian star has also been seen as a beacon of hope in the nation, with fans following her amid the ongoing conflict.
Usyk offered his thanks to those who continue to fight for Ukraine in a New Year’s message, where the 37-year-old expressed his hope that “the light will always conquer the darkness.”
“Dear friends, Happy New Year and Merry Christmas everyone,” Usyk said on Instagram.
‘Last year we all faced battles and victories, but I am confident that 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 the light will always conquer the darkness.
‘May your loved ones be close, healthy and safe during the coming year.
Mail Sport handed Usyk a letter from a soldier ahead of his fight with Fury last month.
‘I wish you unity, tolerance and love for your neighbor. Let us argue less and unite more, supporting each other and those in need.
‘I want to thank God for everything and I am grateful to everyone who prays for me and supports 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 before the New Year.
“A New Year with mixed emotions: 3 champions gathered in a legend to have fun and laugh, wishing everyone a healthy 2025,” Klitschko shared on social media.
“Short-lived fun as Russia once again sends rockets and drone strikes across Ukraine, including the capital kyiv, as it has done for weeks, months and three years. I will never get used to this ‘new normal.’
“May 2025 bring real change.”
Before his victory over Fury, Mail Sport presented Usyk with a letter from a Ukrainian soldier fighting on the front lines.
The letter said: ‘Dear Mr. Oleksandr. My name is also Oleksandr, my callsign is “Shket (Kid/Lad)”. I am a fighter of the GRIM special forces tactical unit of the 41st separate brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
‘My brothers and I watch all your fights whenever possible and we support you wholeheartedly. We are proud that the glory of Ukrainian boxing now resonates so strongly. It has always been very important and now every Ukrainian victory is priceless.
‘We know what hard work is and what every victory is worth, in the ring or on the steppes of Donbass.
‘My brothers and I defended Kyiv, then we fought in Bakhmut and liberated Kherson. You inspire us and we will be worthy of the glory of Ukraine and all those who work for this.
‘We support you. We wish you victory and success. This time we will support you again. I hope you feel our support even from afar. All our efforts will lead to the main thing – to our common victory!
‘We cross our fingers for you, pray and wish you success! Together towards victory!’
Usyk bested 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 seemed deeply moved by the letter, which he revealed had given him “additional motivation” for the fight.
He said: ‘This is a real man, a real soldier who supports my country, who helps me and the people of Ukraine.
‘I am very grateful to Oleksandr and our Ukrainian soldiers who support my country and fight to protect it. I do this for them.’
In 2022, Usyk enlisted in the kyiv Territorial Defense in a heroic attempt to protect his homeland after Russia launched its devastating invasion.
Usyk is expected to take a break following his wins over Fury in 2024, although Daniel Dubois called him out in the ring as he seeks rematch following his loss to the Ukrainian great the previous year.