Ukraine’s postal service, Ukrposhta, is celebrating Oleksandr Usyk in a way few boxers have ever achieved – by releasing a special postage stamp featuring the undefeated heavyweight champion. Announced just days before his Dec. 21 DAZN PPV The stamp is a tribute not only to Usyk’s prowess in the ring, but to his role as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and pride.
Igor Smelyansky, CEO of Ukrposhta, unveiled the stamp with words of admiration: “Usyk’s image on the stamp is a message that ‘the world loves the strong.’ And Ukrainians are known for their courage and resilience. Power is not always about muscles, missiles or physical superiority. It is about the character, faith and spirit with which our nation is equipped.”
The stamp is not just a collector’s item; a portion of the proceeds will support the Usyk Foundation charity fund, reinforcing Usyk’s commitment to giving back. “His victories inspire and remind us that true strength lies in fighting for what is right,” Smelyansky added.
Smelyansky went on to call Usyk a “symbol of invincibility for millions,” acknowledging how the boxer brought international attention to Ukraine. “We are grateful to Oleksandr for making the Ukrainian flag fly on the screens of millions of people around the world during his appearances in the ring. His achievements are our pride and motivation.”
Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) will defend his unified heavyweight titles against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) on December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As fans eagerly await the rematch, the stamp serves as a reminder that Usyk’s impact extends far beyond boxing – it’s about a nation’s courage on the world stage.
Experts weigh in on Fury vs. Usyk Rematch
As Tyson Fury prepares for his December 21 rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, boxing insiders share their thoughts DAZN News on what Fury needs to do to regain victory.
Andy Lee (trainer, former WBO middleweight champion):
“Tyson will be sharper, he will have more conditioning. His concentration will be much better. Those three elements alone will mean a lot and be enough.”
Frank Warren (Fury’s Promoter):
“Tyson knows more than anyone what he has to do in the second fight. He doesn’t need me or anyone else to tell him what to do in the rematch. He has a good boxing brain. He is a student of boxing.”
Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Promoter):
“The intrigue is in what Tyson Fury can do differently in this fight. The problem is that Usyk can be better too. He will have learned from the first fight. I think both boxers will do some things differently for this one.”
Sergio Mora (Former WBC Light Middleweight Champion):
“His adjustments are going to have to be intelligence and game planning. Then stick to that game plan. He has to have the discipline to see that plan through the whole 12 rounds.”
Event details:
- Date: Thursday 21 December 2024 – Live on DAZN
- Time: 21:00 local (Saudi Arabia) / 18:00 GMT / 13:00 ET
- Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Belts on the line: WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO Heavyweight titles
