
Boxing in Saudi Arabia ‘feels like home': Oleksandr Usyk
As a proud Ukrainian, he's carried the sporting hopes of his nation during a time of conflict and chaos. As diplomatic moves continued to find an end to the war with Russia, he joins Riz Khan for an exclusive interview where he reflects on coping with the twin-challenges of life both inside and outside the ring.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab News
20-07-2025
- Arab News
Fury targets third fight against Usyk
LONDON: Tyson Fury says Oleksandr Usyk 'knows' he is the only fighter who can beat him after the Ukrainian crushed Daniel Dubois to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport


Arab News
20-07-2025
- Arab News
Barrios holds off Pacquiao to retain WBC welterweight crown
LAS VEGAS: Mario Barrios held off a battling Manny Pacquiao to retain his WBC world welterweight crown with a fight ruled a majority draw on Saturday. Barrios, 30, held onto his belt despite being dominated for several rounds by 46-year-old Filipino icon Pacquiao, returning to the ring for the first time after a four-year retirement. Barrios was awarded the fight 115-113 by one judge, with the other two cards scoring it 114-114. The result drew a subdued reaction from the MGM Grand Garden Arena crowd, who had roared on Pacquiao as he attempted to make a spectacular return to boxing. At times, it seemed as if Pacquiao was poised to write another improbable chapter in his 30-year professional career as he used all of his guile and experience to frustrate Barrios. But Barrios rallied furiously over the final three rounds – he was deemed the winner of those rounds on all three cards – to do just enough to force a result that sees him retain his title. 'I thought I won the fight,' Pacquiao said afterwards. 'I mean, it was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. But it was a wonderful fight. 'I was trying to find a way to finish the fight but my opponent was so tough. He threw punches in combination and with defense, so it was hard.' Barrios, meanwhile, felt he had done enough to deserve the draw. 'I thought I pulled it out,' Barrios said. 'But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him, somebody with so much experience who has accomplished so much in this sport. We left everything in the ring, nothing but love and respect.' Barrios admitted he had been awed by Pacquiao's remarkable reserves of energy and stamina. 'That's crazy – his stamina, he can still crack and he's still strong as hell. His timing, his rhythm, everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to figure out.'


Arab News
19-07-2025
- Arab News
Usyk knocks out Dubois to become undisputed world heavyweight champion
LONDON: Oleksandr Usyk cemented his status as the outstanding heavyweight of his generation with an emphatic fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois in their undisputed world title bout at London's Wembley Stadium on Saturday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport