Oleksandr Usyk broke down in tears during his press conference as he reflected on his historic victory over Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk defeated Fury to add his WBC belt to his IBF, WBA and WBO crowns, becoming the sole ruler of the division and the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 25 years ago.
The Ukrainian appeared to be behind at the halfway stage of the fight, but a tremendous response in the later rounds, including dropping Fury in the ninth, saw him come out on top via split decision.
Usyk spoke about his victory during his post-fight press conference, reflecting on the sacrifices he has made, whilst also discussing what his late father would have made of the win.
"I miss my father"
Oleksandr Usyk broke down in tears in his post-fight press conference after becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion pic.twitter.com/bdW2BGbE5v
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 19, 2024
“Last time when my father saw me was in my dreams. I miss my father and I said to him ‘hey listen, you live there and I live here, please don’t come for me, I love you.’
“For me it is hard when my father comes back to me because I remember all life. I know he is here, maybe sitting out there.
“I don’t think about boxing now. My camp started in September. I worked for nine months. I missed new year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then the birth of my daughter.
“I also missed family holidays. I was only focused on this fight, now I’m happy and I want to go back home.”
A rematch between Usyk and Fury is expected to take place in October, although it is likely that it won’t be for the undisputed titles on that occasion.
The IBF belt is set to become immediately vacant, and is due to be contested by IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois when they meet on the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 on 5 event that takes place in Riyadh on June 1.
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