Russia destroyed our lives — Usyk offers rallying cry ahead of Dubois bout

World boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has arrived in London for his bout with Daniel Dubois, scheduled for Saturday, July 19th at Wembley Stadium. The Ukrainian took the opportunity to speak out against the war in his homeland.

On Saturday, July 19th, nearly two years after their previous fight, Oleksandr Usyk (38, 23-0) and Daniel Dubois (27, 22-2) will face off in the boxing ring once more. Around midnight, at Wembley Stadium in London, the world heavyweight champion will aim to maintain his undefeated record.

On Monday, July 14th, Usyk made a public appearance in Trafalgar Square, central London, participating in the unveiling of a Ukrainian mosaic alongside British entrepreneur Richard Branson.

According to Reuters, the artwork was originally created in Mariupol in 1967, but suffered damage during attacks by Russian forces, who now control the Ukrainian city. At the initiative of several organizations, a copy of the mosaic has been created, with plans to transport it worldwide as a symbol of healing and hope.

Usyk addressed the crowd, speaking about the war in Ukraine and thanking those present for their support.

"Russia caused destruction in my city, in my country. Russia destroyed hospitals. Russia destroyed schools. Russia destroyed the lives of Ukrainians. But we will survive. We will rebuild our country, like a mosaic, piece by piece," the 38-year-old boxer said, as quoted by Reuters.

Usyk has often spoken out about the war in Ukraine, and in June, he addressed former US President Donald Trump, inviting him to fly to Ukraine and stay in his home for a week.

"Just one week. I will give him my house. Please, live in Ukraine and see what happens every night. Every night there are bombs and planes over my house. Bombs, rockets. Every night. It's enough," Usyk told the BBC.

In 2024, Oleksandr Usyk achieved two victories against Tyson Fury. Currently, the Ukrainian holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles, which he will defend against IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

On August 26, 2023, in a stadium in Wroclaw, Poland, Usyk defeated Dubois by knockout. The rematch between the two will take place on Saturday, July 19th.

Fury also recently announced that he will face Usyk for a third time on April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium, seeking revenge.