Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has landed in London ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Daniel Dubois, using the platform not only to gear up for the fight but to deliver a bold message of national defiance amid the ongoing war in his homeland.
The bout is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Wembley Stadium, where Usyk will defend his WBC, WBA, and WBO belts against IBF titleholder Dubois. It marks their second encounter, following Usyk’s knockout victory over the Briton in Poland in August 2023.
Ahead of the clash, Usyk made a symbolic appearance at Trafalgar Square on Monday, participating in the unveiling of a recreated Ukrainian mosaic originally crafted in Mariupol in 1967. The artwork, severely damaged during Russian attacks on the city, has been replicated and is set to be displayed worldwide as a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience and hope. British billionaire Richard Branson joined Usyk at the unveiling.
Addressing the crowd with conviction, the 38-year-old champion decried the destruction caused by Russia’s military actions. “They have destroyed our hospitals, our schools, our way of life—but we are not broken,” Usyk said. “We will rebuild our country piece by piece, just like this mosaic.”
Usyk, who has been vocal in his opposition to the Russian invasion, recently invited former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine and experience firsthand the nightly terror his people endure. “Let him stay in my home for a week,” Usyk told the BBC. “There are bombs, rockets, and planes flying overhead every night. Let him see what we live through.”
The Ukrainian boxer enters the ring in commanding form, having secured back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury in 2024. With an undefeated record of 23-0, Usyk now holds three of the four major heavyweight titles. A third showdown with Fury has already been announced for April 18, 2026, at Wembley.
As Saturday’s showdown approaches, Usyk is not only fighting to preserve his unblemished record but also representing a country that continues to resist and endure. His message is clear: Ukraine’s spirit remains unshaken, and its people will rise again—one piece at a time.
