‘A pairing I never thought I'd see' – Oleksandr Usyk and Sir Richard Branson link up ahead of Daniel Dubois fight
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OLEKSANDR USYK had the most unexpected of link-ups with SIR RICHARD BRANSON just days before his rematch with Daniel Dubois.
The former pound-for-pound king will bid to become two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in his Wembley war with Triple D on Saturday night.
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Oleksandr Usyk renews his rivalry with Brit bruiser Daniel Dubois this weekend
Credit: GETTY
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The former undisputed heavyweight champion met with billionaire Sir Richard Branson on Monday
Credit: PA
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Virgin bigwig Branson has teamed up with the Usyk Foundation to help build homes in the war-torn Ukraine
Credit: AFP
Usyk and his team are already in the Big Smoke ahead of his eagerly anticipated capital clash with IBF titleholder Dubois.
But just days before his second date with undisputed destiny, the slick southpaw hung out with Virgin billionaire Branson, who has teamed up with the boxer's 'Usyk Foundation' to help rebuild homes in war-torn Ukraine.
Usyk posted a series of snaps of himself in conversation and posing with Branson at Trafalgar Square on his Instagram on Monday night.
His accompanying caption read: "We gathered at Trafalgar Square — in the very heart of London — to mark two important milestones.
"Together with @richardbranson, we unveiled the recreated mosaic by Alla Horska — a symbol of resilience, memory, and home.
"Brought from Ukraine and carefully restored, it now stands in one of the world's most iconic public spaces as a reminder of what we are fighting for: dignity, culture, and the right to return home. Special thanks to @rozetkaua for believing in this project.
"Today, we're also launching the next phase of the Home Again fundraiser by @usyk.foundation — a project that helps Ukrainian families rebuild the homes destroyed by the war.
"We're sincerely grateful to @richardbranson for his support, for the first contribution, and for the shared belief that home is not just a place — it's something we can rebuild together."
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USYK VS DUBOIS 2: Stream, TV channel and undercard info for blockbuster Wembley fight
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 LIVE on DAZN
Boxing fans were quick to comment, with one writing: "Two world champs!"
Another said: "Champion and a hero."
In camp with Daniel Dubois ahead of Oleksandr Usyk bout
And another said: This makes me very feel."
One remarked: "A true champion… in [Muhammad] Ali's class."
Another chimed in: "That's a pairing I'd never think I'd see. Let's see you do the business in the ring, Champ."
Usyk, 38, will be hoping for a repeat of his 2023 stoppage of Dubois when they renew their rivalry under the famous Wembley arch.
The Olympic gold medallist stopped Dubois in the ninth round of their Polish punch, which was dogged by a controversial low blow from the then-challenger.
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