“Champion or Cheater? Oleksandr Usyk Clears the Air on Controversial Fight Footage”
Truth Behind Alleged Video of Oleksandr Usyk Using an Inhaler During Tyson Fury Fight: Did the Ukrainian Really Cheat?
The biggest fight of the last two decades inevitably brought controversy. Last weekend in Saudi Arabia, the undisputed heavyweight torch was finally passed from Lennox Lewis to Oleksandr Usyk following the Ukrainian’s magnificent win over former WBC champion Tyson Fury. But amidst the celebrations, a storm brewed. A clip surfaced online alleging that Usyk, dubbed ‘The Cat’, used an inhaler during the fight to gain an unfair advantage. Was Usyk cheating? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems.
Debunking the Mystery of the Mysterious Object
The clip in question has been circulating on social media, casting a shadow over Usyk’s achievement. It shows Usyk in his corner after the seventh round, with one of his cornermen holding an object in front of his face. From the angle of the camera, it’s unclear what the object is, sparking a flurry of conspiracy theories.
Some speculated that Usyk was inhaling something illicit. However, Kristina Avsarkisova, an MMA journalist, clarified the situation on X. She revealed that the object was not an inhaler, but a crucifix. Usyk, a deeply religious man, was seeking divine strength by kissing the crucifix. The controversy, it seems, was a misunderstanding born out of an unclear video and the fertile imaginations of conspiracy theorists.
The Real Story: Faith Over Foul Play
Avsarkisova’s explanation was bolstered by audio from the corner exchange. A cornerman asked Usyk, “You want the crucifix?” Usyk responded affirmatively, and the moment was misinterpreted as cheating. The reality is that Usyk’s actions were rooted in his faith, not foul play. His victory over Fury was a legitimate, hard-fought battle, free from illicit advantages.
Usyk said, “No, I don’t worry. I believe I won.”
“I don’t think about it because we have a winner. No knockout, no problem, but for 12 rounds it’s a big drama,” said Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk Thanks Jesus Christ
Following the grueling twelve-round bout, Usyk went to the hospital to check for a possible jaw fracture. Returning to the venue for the press conference, his cut above the eye stitched, Usyk, clutching his daughter’s favorite toy, addressed the assembled reporters.
With tears in his eyes, Usyk spoke about the fight and the controversy. When asked about the second scorecard that favored Fury, Usyk remained confident in his victory, saying, “No, I don’t worry. I believe I won.” Reflecting on the standing ten count in the ninth round, he added, “I don’t think about it because we have a winner. No knockout, no problem, but for 12 rounds it’s a big drama.”
A Humble Champion
Usyk also shared the personal sacrifices he made in preparation for the fight, training for nine months and missing his children’s birthdays and the birth of another child. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he remained humble and grateful, stating, “My focus was only this fight. Now I am happy. I want to go back home, go to my church, pray and say: ‘Jesus thank you,’ because for me and my country it’s a big opportunity.”
The allegations against Usyk are unfounded. The crucifix, not an inhaler, was part of his ritual, reflecting his faith rather than any attempt to cheat. Usyk’s monumental achievement should be celebrated, not tainted by baseless accusations. His victory over Tyson Fury marks a historic moment in boxing, achieved through skill, determination, and faith.
“My focus was only this fight. Now I am happy. I want to go back home, go to my church, pray and say: ‘Jesus thank you,’ because for me and my country it’s a big opportunity.”