Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk discovers the truth about his role during the war

Published

12 months ago

October 20, 2025

Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk spoke in detail about his time defending his homeland. During this period, he was photographed holding a rifle and standing shoulder to shoulder with other Ukrainian soldiers.

The haunting images sparked years of speculation about whether Usyk ever had to utilize his weapon. Now, over three years later, WBN found an interview in which the heavyweight king clarified the matter.

The journey home

Seeing his family for the first time in months during the surprising first period of the war, Usyk detailed his journey back to his homeland.

“I had to cancel my direct flight to Kiev,” Usyk said Profiboxing.cz after his return a few years ago. “I came back through Poland. It took me one day to get to Kiev. Then another two days to see my family and I calmed down a bit.”

The return of the unified champion was full of suspense. After being reunited with his loved ones, Usyk joined local volunteers working to protect key areas as fighting intensifies nearby.

“I may have taken a gun, but I would never utilize it.”

In the midst of these messy days, photos of Usyk armed with a rifle began circulating around the world, sparking praise, rumors and questions.

Usyk made his position clear.

“I may have picked up a gun, but that doesn’t mean I would utilize it,” he said firmly. “I never shot anyone.”

He credited his faith with carrying him through this ordeal.

“I was raised in the Orthodox faith, which teaches not to judge others. But for me, anyone who supports war is a schizophrenic, a unwell person.”

Family in danger

Usyk also described the trauma his family and neighbors experienced during the first attacks.

“I know they shot at our house, broke down the gate and dragged some neighbors out,” he said. “But I don’t know what it’s like there now. We can’t contact anyone. It’s scary how your guys run away and hide in the basement at every rustle.”

Profiboxing.cz

A champion’s perspective

When asked what he would say to those behind the violence, Usyk replied calmly and without emotion.

“What would I tell him? Nothing. I’m not interested in this man. I have nothing to say to him.”

For Usyk, boxing became a way to process this experience – a focus that kept him grounded.

“I never thought for a second that I would stay there. This fight will be special for me in that respect.”

About the author

Phil Jay is experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global combat scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most significant boxing evenings in the ring were reported.

[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.

Boxing

Tony Bellews Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: Yep, I Said It

Published

4 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Tony Bellew's Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: "Yep, I Said It"

Tony Bellew is going against the grain for tonight’s Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley rematch.

The pair meet again just five months on from their thrilling first encounter, with Dubois now WBO champion having won the belt from Wardley via eleventh round stoppage.

After surviving two early knockdowns, the Londoner – who is now in his second stint as heavyweight titlist – took over the contest with a solid jab setting up thudding attacks that exhausted Wardley.

Though the Ipswich man stayed on his feet throughout, referee Howard Foster waved it off as the punishment because too much.

It is how the fight ended, and those last few rounds in which Dubois was largely dominating, that make him a strong favourite to retain his belt.

Giving his prediction to the BBCformer cruiserweight world champion Bellew backed Wardley to have success early again, but capitalise fully this time and end it.

“I’m going to be the difference. I am going to back Fabio Wardley by knockout within six rounds. Yep, I said [it]. I’m going for Fab within six.”

Dubois was on the canvas within ten seconds last time out, and took a knee in the third when hurt again.

Bellew has questioned Dubois’ resolve in the past, pointing to his stoppage loss to Joe Joyce as proof that there is a point he can be pushed to that he is not willing to go beyond. Many, however, will look to the first Wardley performance and disagree.

Both men recorded the highest weights of their careers on the scalessuggesting that neither will be changing the gameplan to a more measured affair, rather looking to engage in round 13 from the off tonight at London’s O2.

Boxing

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: I Still Think That

Published

5 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: "I Still Think That"

Top trainer Peter Fury has offered his expert analysis on the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, believing it is still a 50/50 fight.

Others, meanwhile, will argue that Dubois should be made a considerable favourite, based on how he was able to dismantle Wardley in their first encounter.

In order to do so, the ‘Dynamite’ puncher was compelled to climb off the canvas in rounds one and three, having been put down by blows to the top of his head.

Proceedings then became a little one-sided as Dubois, utilising his fundamentals, managed to score an 11th-round finish with his thudding jab and superior footwork.

Wardley, however, wasted little time before activating the rematch clause in their contract and, in turn, securing the chance to reclaim his WBO title at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow evening.

Many will argue that such a swift turnaround could lead to his downfall while, due to his power and toughness, others would suggest that the 31-year-old is always dangerous, no matter the opponent standing across from him.

As such, coach Fury has told Boxing King Media that, while Dubois is rightfully brimming with confidence, it would be foolish to entirely dismiss Wardley’s attributes.

“I think it’s a great heavyweight fight – Dubois has got heavy hands and a good jab as well, so it’ll be interesting.

“You’ve got to say Wardley’s got it all to do, because the confidence of Dubois will be high. And if Dubois’ super confident, he’s a problem.

“But let’s see – Wardley was able to hurt Dubois early on. I still think that fight is a 50/50 fight.”

If he emerges victorious against Wardley, then Dubois will likely be targeting a unification match with Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic in 2027.

Boxing

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Published

6 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Daniel Dubois will face Fabio Wardley in a rematch of a heavyweight slugfest from earlier this year, with Dubois defending the WBO heavyweight title he took from Wardley on that night.

Live coverage will kick off at 2 pm ET, and we’ll have results and updates during the four-fight, main card undercard, then live, round-by-round scoring and updates for the main event itself.

How to watch Dubois vs Wardley 2

Start time: 2:00 pm ET for main card, prelims begin at 11:00 am ET

Streaming: DAZN (Ultimate subscription or Pay-Per-View)

PPV Cost: As a standalone, one-off purchase Pay-Per-View, the price is $59.99 (or £24.99). With DAZN’s Ultimate tier, the show is included as part of your subscription.

Location: O2 Arena – London, England