Sports

Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2024

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led the tributes to Oleksandr Usyk after his historic victory over British fighter Tyson Fury in Riyadh, making Usyk the first undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years. The 37-year-old, who briefly served in the Ukrainian army following the Russian invasion in February 2022, described his points victory as a significant moment for himself, his family, and his country.

Zelensky praised Usyk on Telegram, emphasizing that Ukrainians fight hard and ultimately triumph over their opponents. He highlighted that Usyk’s achievement of holding four heavyweight belts simultaneously is a testament to Ukrainian endurance and strength, symbolizing victory for the war-torn nation.

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev and a former world heavyweight champion, also lauded Usyk, noting that his victory demonstrated Ukrainians’ ability to overcome strong adversaries in challenging circumstances. Vitali’s brother, Wladimir Klitschko, another former heavyweight champion, was present ringside in Saudi Arabia and echoed his sibling’s sentiments. He acknowledged the immense pressure Usyk faced and commended his performance against Fury, declaring Usyk the best fighter in modern history and expressing pride in their shared Ukrainian heritage.

Usyk, born in Simferopol, Crimea, faced criticism from Ukrainians in 2014 for his neutral stance on Russia’s annexation of the peninsula and for stating that Russians and Ukrainians were the same people. However, following Russia’s 2022 invasion, Usyk’s support for Ukraine became unequivocal, earning him the backing of the Ukrainian armed forces. Mikola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Usyk’s victory highlighted Ukraine’s strength and determination in defending its identity, language, culture, and traditions. A fighting unit also expressed their support with a message celebrating Ukraine and its defenders.

Television presenter and actor Sergiy Prytula viewed Usyk’s triumph as a morale booster for the entire nation, equating his win to a victory for Ukraine. Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala expressed pride in Usyk’s accomplishment with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

By securing the WBC title from Fury in addition to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, Usyk became the first boxer to be the undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.

Sports

Club World Cup: All Round of 16 fixtures revealed [Full list]

Paris Saint-Germain take on Inter Miami, in what has been dubbed the Lionel Messi Derby, while Flamengo square up against Bayern Munich.

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

OCHEFA

28 Views

The 16 teams remaining in the 2025 Club World Cup to compete for the trophy have been confirmed.

This follows the conclusion of the Group H games in the early hours of Friday.

Real Madrid defeated Salzburg 3-0, with goals from Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia.

The result saw Xabi Alonso’s men finish in top spot and they will face Juventus in the last 16.

Al Hilal beat Pachuca 2-1 and will take on Manchester City.

In other fixtures confirmed prior, Inter Milan face Fluminense and Monterrey are up against Borussia Dortmund.

Benfica play Chelsea on Saturday, while Palmeiras will clash with Botafogo in an all-Brazilian affair.

Paris Saint-Germain take on Inter Miami, in what has been dubbed the Lionel Messi Derby, while Flamengo square up against Bayern Munich.

(The Sun)

Sports

Nigerians Set for June 28 Olympic Day Celebrations

The celebration will feature a variety of non-competitive sporting activities such as jogging and walking, designed to encourage calorie burning, muscle toning, and overall wellbeing.

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2025

OhiBaba

33 Views

Seventeen Nigerian states have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Olympic Day celebrations.

The event will take place across the country on June 28.

The annual event, which promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, has gained momentum in recent years, with organisers expanding activities to encourage wider public participation.

This year, states including Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Osun, Imo and Lagos, home to the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, will host a series of community-based events aimed at promoting health and fitness.

The celebration will feature a variety of non-competitive sporting activities such as jogging and walking, designed to encourage calorie burning, muscle toning, and overall wellbeing.

Sports

Amuneke Urges FG: Give rest of ‘94 Eagles their houses

Amuneke’s comments come as the Federal Government continues to fulfil its three-decade-old promise of house allocations to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2025

OhiBaba

35 Views

Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke has called on the Federal Government to expedite the distribution of houses to the remaining members of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, confirming that he received his allocation long ago.

“They should hand over to the others now. Let them do it.”

The government recently presented an allocation letter for a house in Abuja to former striker Efan Ekoku, who was represented at the brief ceremony by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun.

The Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, presented the letter on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

He described the move as part of the government’s commitment to rewarding the patriotic service of the team, which brought honour to the nation three decades ago.