Oleksandr Usyk pauses interview to belt out Sweet Caroline at Derek Chisora vs Joe Joyce

On Saturday night, Oleksandr Usyk was present ringside at the London O2 Arena for the much-anticipated domestic clash between Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora. The event featured a gripping bout, and Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight star, was visibly engaged and celebratory throughout the evening. Usyk’s presence at the event was notable as he was seen reveling in Chisora’s hard-fought unanimous decision victory. The scene was one of genuine camaraderie and sportsmanship, as Usyk joined in the celebrations with Chisora, showcasing his enjoyment of the night’s festivities.

 

The atmosphere at the O2 Arena washttps://x.com/boxingontnt/status/1817316381093757290?t=mcSWveca0zJWSw5-VzFV-w&s=19 electric, with numerous fans and media capturing Usyk’s reactions on social media. Videos showed Usyk enthusiastically reacting to the action in the ring, with moments where he could be seen ducking and weaving as if he were in the midst of the fight himself. His dynamic involvement underscored his deep appreciation for the sport and the vibrant boxing culture in the UK.

 

A particularly memorable moment of the evening occurred before the main event when Usyk participated in an interview with TNT Sports. During the interview, Neil Diamond’s iconic song “Sweet Caroline” began playing in the background. This classic track, which has become synonymous with boxing events in the UK, inspired Usyk to momentarily pause the interview. With the chorus of the song building, Usyk turned to the crowd and energetically sang along, raising his hands in the air as he embraced the infectious spirit of the anthem. His impromptu performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, demonstrating his connection with the fans and the infectious nature of the boxing environment.

 

After his brief musical interlude, Usyk returned to the interview and addressed the question of why he has such a strong connection with British fans. With a heartfelt tone, he replied, “I don’t know, I love my fans, I love the UK. I like to be here, I don’t know.” His candid and affectionate response highlighted the mutual admiration between Usyk and his British supporters, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the UK boxing scene.

 

Usyk’s popularity in Britain is well-deserved, given his impressive track record and achievements in the ring. He is recognized as one of the premier boxers of his generation, having captured the attention and respect of fans and critics alike. His most recent triumphs include overcoming several top British fighters. Notably, Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era after defeating Tyson Fury, a monumental achievement in the sport.

 

In addition to his victory over Fury, Usyk has also bested other notable opponents, such as Daniel Dubois, Derek Chisora, Tony Bellew, and Anthony Joshua on two occasions. Each of these victories has contributed to his reputation as a formidable and skilled boxer, earning him accolades and a significant fanbase.

 

Looking ahead, Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury once again on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a highly anticipated rematch. Their initial bout was a thrilling contest where Usyk demonstrated his skill and resilience by dropping Fury in the ninth round and securing a split decision victory. Despite the defeat, Fury controversially described the fight as ‘easy’ and disparaged Usyk’s abilities by likening him to an ‘amateur boxer.’

 

Usyk responded to Fury’s comments with a mix of disbelief and determination, stating, “Oh my god, no way. Ok, no problem. For me, my fight will be hard because Tyson Fury is a big man. He is a good boxer and has good boxing IQ but if Tyson says for him it will be easy, ok no problem. It will not be easy, it will be hard, very very hard. Tyson, don’t be afraid, I will not leave you alone.” His response underscored his readiness and commitment to proving himself once again in the ring.

 

As the rematch approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting another thrilling chapter in the rivalry between Usyk and Fury. The fight promises to be a significant event in the boxing calendar, further showcasing the talents and competitive spirit of two of the sport’s top heavyweights.