OLEKSANDR USYK is stronger than ever and looks like a “cyborg” according to his promoter Alex Krassyuk.
The Ukrainian, 35, spent time out of the ring this year after signing up to join the Ukraine war effort after the Russian invasion.
But Krassyuk is confident the “hell” Usyk has been through has made him more determined and stronger than ever as he prepares for the rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Krassyuk told Sky Sports: “We watch his recently posted videos and realise that he looks like a cyborg.
“He went through hell within the last three months. And it did not kill him but made him even stronger. I’ve never seen him more determined than now.
“Not too many champs in the world can share experience going through the war and making it to the ring to defend the heavyweight crown. It was an exclusively complicated assignment. But he seems to have passed it properly.”
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Usyk also has extra motivation to defend his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight world title belts as he is flying the flag for Ukraine.
Krassyuk revealed the fighter has the blessing of the Ukraine people to take on AJ as the bout is a chance to show off the best of what the country has to offer.
The promoter added: “He made his decision to take the rematch in these circumstances after he’d received massive support from the Ukrainian military.
“He was in touch with high-ranking officers, he visited hospitals with injured combatants, he spoke with fans and in each and every conversation he heard words of support and blessings to take the rematch.
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“People want him to fight. People want him to win. They all want the Ukrainian flag to be risen and the Ukrainian anthem to be heard throughout the planet.
“The whole world has to know that Ukraine is the country of free, transparent, strong, spiritual and developed people. Not too many men are able to deliver these messages. Usyk is and he does that through sports.
“Let history judge how special he is.”
Boxing legend Mike Tyson believes Usyk’s speed and jab will cause Joshua problems in Saudia Arabia, and tips the 19-0 star to beat the Brit unless AJ can land a knock-out.
Tyson Fury also expects Usyk to win again as he is “too good a boxer” for Joshua, who does not possess the ability to pressure Usyk for 12 rounds according to the Gypsy King.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
