My People Need Positive Emotions -Oleksandr Usyk

As Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois prepare for WBA, WBO & IBF heavyweights titles clash, the Ukrainian boxer said his country men are expecting positive emotions from the outcome of his fight.

Around 40,000 fans, mostly Ukrainian refugees who fled to neighbouring Poland following the invasion, will be in attendance at the open-air Tarczynski Arena.

For the first time in a very long time, they will feel that unique buzz of fight night, and the pride of seeing their national icon compete in the flesh.

“Poland is a country that’s helping so much to Ukraine, who are now in the war,” Usyk said.

“It will be much easier for the Ukrainians who reside in Ukraine to come to Poland, because if the fight takes place in the UK you have to apply for the visa and not everyone is granted the visa.

“I want to bring some good spirits and joy to my fans. Normally I fight in the backyards of my opponents. Especially now, my people in Ukraine need that kind of positive emotion.”

Usyk and his fans have been enjoying the pre-fight festivities in the colourful city of Wroclaw, nicknamed by locals as ‘Venice of the North’ for its picturesque canals, rivers and bridges.

He was mobbed by fans at the public workout, and again at the weigh-in.

“I know people have travelled from Ukraine and other European countries such as Romania, and lots from all over Poland,” says Oleksandr Chepilko, a Ukrainian boxing reporter.

“A lot have come from Krakow where there are a huge number of Ukrainians.”