Oleksandr Usyk erupts in Ukraine patriotism before world title rematch against Anthony Joshua

There has been an understandable desire by Joshua to escape the incessant questioning that has spanned the past 11 months and he was helped in that regard on Wednesday by Usyk, who took centre stage at the Shangri-La hotel in Jeddah in a traditional Cossack warrior’s outfit.

“This fight is very important to me, my team and my country,” Usyk said, before bursting into a rendition of Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow, a patriotic anthem recently covered by Pink Floyd to fund aid efforts in Ukraine.

It might have left a small crowd of invited Saudi attendees somewhat bemused, but Usyk has vowed to use every opportunity to draw the world’s attention back to the war in Ukraine and his promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, stressed the motivation being derived from the frontline.

“[Usyk] went through hell in the last few months,” he said. “It didn’t kill him but made him stronger. He’s never been more determined than now. Not many champions in the world can go through a war and make their way to the ring to defend their crown. It was an extremely complicated challenge for him, but he’s passed it well. People want him to fight, people want him to win, people want the Ukrainian flag to rise.”

If the backdrop of war has framed this rematch in an altogether different light, Usyk was, however, adamant that the bout itself would merely be an extension of the first chapter, in which the 35-year-old’s irrepressible skill had left Joshua swaying on his feet at the sound of the final bell.

“I don’t think it will be all new: the last bout will continue into round 13, 14 and 15,” he said. “We’ve had a long time to study each other and Saturday night will be a great fight. We were born to compete. The one who does not compete, does not live. All our lives are competition.”

Joshua frequently referred to his own “competitive spirit” and the respect between the pair was evident, with a protracted face-off producing no real friction. It did give Joshua the chance to assess the muscle Usyk has noticeably gained, though, and also served to highlight the difference in their demeanours, with Usyk relaxed and able to smile even while discussing the gravest of topics.

The 32-year-old Joshua, who has won 22 of his 24 professional bouts, laughed off suggestions a defeat could spell retirement but admitted the pressure he puts on himself has weighed heavily and those nerves will only swell as the fight gets closer. There has been little attempt to disguise the aggressive strategy Joshua will adopt on the night either, but that plan still relies on him taming Usyk’s relentless work rate.

“It’s tough, but I’m relishing the challenge,” Joshua said. “Let’s get the job done. Instinct, stay focused and, God willing, I’ll be victorious. I have goals that I want to achieve on the night and I need to be disciplined to follow through. It’s competition with myself.”

Ever the optimist, Eddie Hearn was adamant that any skittish energy should be taken as a sign of encouragement. “The style he needs to adopt for this fight comes from that feeling of, ‘Don’t let this moment pass,’ ” the promoter said. “This time, [the attitude is] ‘I’ve got one chance now – don’t f--k it up.’ And I like that.”

– The Times

Originally published as Oleksandr Usyk erupts in Ukraine patriotism before world title rematch against Anthony Joshua