OLEKSANDR USYK has been training nonstop for his iconic heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua – but a stuffed toy donkey could be the key to his success.
The Ukrainian powerhouse never finds himself too far from the Disney donkey as he uses it for inspiration.
And now, Usyk has revealed the heart-warming story behind his not so secret weapon.
Find out why below…
Why is Oleksandr Usyk carrying a stuffed toy donkey?
When Oleksandr Usyk left his ravaged country Ukraine to begin training for his world title defence, the boxing icon was forced to part ways with his little girl Yelizaveta.
And knowing her father would be travelling to Saudi Arabia to take on Anthony Joshua, Yelizaveta felt the need to give her dad some protection in the shape of Eeyore – a depressed Winnie-the-Pooh character.
Read More on AJ vs Usyk
Usyk admitted that Yelizaveta has renamed the Disney donkey Liolia and it has now become a crucial part of Team Usyk.
What has Oleksandr Usyk said about the stuffed toy donkey?
The Ukrainian heavyweight mentioned that his 12-year-old daughter is adamant that Liolia goes everywhere he goes.
Usyk said: “It’s my daughter’s. She gave it to me to be my talisman. We bought it when we were all together in Disneyland Paris.
“When we left Ukraine together but our roads separated in Europe, my daughter gave this toy to me and said, ‘This needs to be right next to you’.
Most read in Boxing
Get Anthony Joshua at 40/1 OR Oleksandr Usyk at 25/1 to win with William Hill
“It sleeps with me, is always close to and she told me to take it to my media event.
“I am not sure about it being in my corner, she is a lady so she might get scared, but she will definitely be in my dressing room.”
When is Joshua vs Usyk 2?
- Joshua vs Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, August 20.
- The fight is going to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- It is set to be a late one for UK viewers, with 10.54pm revealed as the approximate start time.
🥊 AJ vs Usyk 2 date, live stream and TV channel for blockbuster rematch
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
