In a diplomatic gesture that preceded a tense White House meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Donald Trump with Oleksandr Usyk’s WBC undisputed heavyweight championship belt.
The 47-year-old Ukrainian leader arrived at the Oval Office carrying the prestigious belt that Usyk won against Tyson Fury last year. The unique moment caught boxing enthusiasts off guard as the championship belt was displayed on a table during the leaders’ press conference.
The scene sparked immediate reactions on social media platform X. “I hope that’s a replica,” one fan remarked. Another simply questioned, “Just why?” while a third user stated, “I can’t think of anyone who deserves it less.”
The belt’s previous owner, Ukrainian boxing sensation Oleksandr Usyk, holds an impressive unbeaten record of 23-0, with 14 knockouts. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Usyk demonstrated his patriotism by joining soldiers on the front line.
The 38-year-old champion has achieved unified world titles in two weight classes, starting as a cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight in 2020. His remarkable career includes victories over notable opponents such as Joshua, Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora, and two wins against Tyson Fury, establishing himself as the pound-for-pound king.
Speaking about his future plans, Usyk recently told Sky Sports, “I think two years, one-and-a-half [left in boxing]. I feel great myself. I feel I have two fights to prepare, not more. Just two.”
The champion had previously indicated interest in facing the winner of a scheduled Dubois vs. Joseph Parker match, which was recently cancelled due to Dubois’s illness. Should that bout be rescheduled and Dubois emerge victorious, the IBF holder expressed confidence in his ability to challenge Usyk, stating, “Run it back. My next fight I’m working towards [is Usyk], I’m ready for it now. I’m just getting better, improving. They say when you win a world title you improve. So I feel like that’s what’s happening with me.”
