Oleksandr Usyk becomes absolute world champion for the third time

<b>Oleksandr Usyk </b>once again rewrites the history of world boxing<b>, Olga Harlan </b>reviews her performance at the sixth Olympics,<b> Lisa Kazanina </b>wins a bodybuilding competition, and<b> Sergey Karyakin</b> receives a court sentence in absentia. Read more in the digest of sports events from the South by Intent.

Boxing. Usyk vs. Dubois

Alexander Usyk. Photo: Andrew Couldridge

• Undoubtedly, the main sporting event of July was the second fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. The first fight between these boxers took place two years ago and ended in a knockout victory for the Ukrainian, despite some complaints from the British about the judges' decisions.
• This fight was the first for Oleksandr in 2025 - the last time he defended his belts was last December against Tyson Fury. This fight was also a unification fight - Dubois held the IBF title, while the other three belts belonged to Usyk.

An accurate punch by Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Photo.

• Directly in the ring, everything went according to a very unambiguous scenario. Despite Dubois' initiative in the first rounds, Oleksandr took advantage of the British fighter's defenses several times, which led to painful hits. In the fifth round, everything ended rather quickly - first, the Ukrainian's punch knocked his opponent down, he was able to get up, but almost immediately missed two more - and the resistance was finally broken. A technical knockout in every sense!
• Thus, for the third time in his career, Oleksandr Usyk became the absolute world boxing champion - first in cruiserweight, and now twice in the super heavyweight category. By this indicator, Usyk has equaled his idol, Muhammad Ali.

The recreated mosaic "The Borovitere" in London. Photo: Ukraine WoW

• As always, Usyk's megafile was accompanied by a large part of Ukraine's cultural and military representation. Shortly before that, Oleksandr unveiled a recreated mosaic of the "Boriviter " by Ukrainian artist Alla Horska in London. After the battle, Oleksandr dedicated his victory to those who are now defending our country. Ukrainian sports stars such as Andriy Shevchenko, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Yaroslava Maguchikh were cheering for Usyk in the Wembley stands .

Olga Harlan and Usyk. Photo: Office of the President

• For Olha Harlan , the fight and Oleksandr's statements that everything is just beginning at the age of 38 even inspired her to reconsider her plans for the future

"I look at Sanya (Usyk) and think that maybe I should go to the sixth Olympic Games after all.

Olha Harlan, two-time Olympic champion

• After the fight, speculation immediately began about what Usyk would do next. A third fight with Fury? A challenge to Joseph Parker? Jake Paul and a passage to MMA? The end of his career? Oleksandr's answer is best characterized by his own quote: "don't push the horses". For now, he is resting and recovering, and will decide on his future plans in a few months.

Events of the week

Liza Kazanina. PHOTO: NPC News Online

• Liza Kazanina , an athlete from Odesa, won the Chicago Pro 2025 competition in the Wellness category and earned the right to represent Ukraine at the most prestigious bodybuilding tournament in the world - Miss Olympia! Last year, Liza was already on the Olympia stage, but this will be her first Olympia among professionals in the amateur competition.

Taisiia Onofriichuk. PHOTO: Maria Muzychenko

• Despite her injury, 17-year-old Taisiia Onofriichuk won three medals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Milan. Taisiia took second place in the mace routine and third in the hoop and ribbon. In addition, Taisiia's consistent performances allowed her to win the overall World Cup all-around competition, which was the first such achievement for Ukraine. Taisiia also won the hoop and ribbon competition.

Sergiy Karyakin. Image: SBU

• The ShevchenkivskyCourt of Chernivtsi has sentenced chess player and traitor Serhiy Karyakin to nine years in prison in absentia. He openly called on Russians and residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to help the Russian military, in particular the so-called "stormtroopers". He also repeatedly participated in propaganda events in support of the army of the terrorist state.

Games and results

Diana Yastremska. PHOTO: Hamburg Open/Instagram

• Diana Yastremska reached the semifinals of the WTA250 tournament in Hamburg. The Odessan defeated three opponents, but lost in the semifinals to Frenchwoman Lois Boisson, who had previously reached the semifinals of Roland Garros.

The Ukrainian national volleyball team. PHOTO: volleyballworld.com

• The men's national volleyball team has completed its debut performance in the Nations League. This week, our team won against the Netherlands, lost in a dramatic five-setter to the Italians, and had no chance against the Serbs. To get into the top 8, we needed to win the last match against Canada. But it didn't work out - in four very even and tense sets, the Canadians prevailed, and Ukraine finished ninth, which guarantees participation in the next round.

Traditionally, we wish you and your favorite athletes and teams good luck!

Адлен Муатс