Zelenskyy Reportedly Pledges to Give Usyk’s Championship Belt to Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly pledged to give Oleksandr Usyk’s (23-0, 14 KOs ) championship belt to US President Donald Trump. US media outlet Axios revealed this detail, citing an unnamed Ukrainian official and three other sources.

The publication did not specify what Zelenskyy meant by this gesture, only noting that it came at the end of their conversation.

Previously on February 12, Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Donald Trump in a phone call. The call focused on potential paths to peace, Ukraine's technological capabilities and future cooperation. They also discussed Trump's recent phone call with Putin.

On February 12, Usyk announced that he plans to fight twice more before retiring and dismissed speculation about a potential return to cruiserweight.

Last May, Usyk made history by defeating Britain’s Tyson Fury via split decision, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. He secured another victory over Fury in December, this time by unanimous decision. However, the undisputed title was no longer on the line, as Usyk had voluntarily vacated his IBF belt earlier that year. The title is now held by British fighter Daniel Dubois.

The World Boxing Council named Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk the 2024 Fighter of the Year on January 6.