One of the oldest boxing promoters Don Kingwho is currently promoting US half-champion Trevor Bryan, was interviewed by the British media.
King expressed his opinion about the current galaxy of top heavyweight fighters: the unified champion Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs), WBC title holder Briton Tyson Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs) and ex-British champion Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs).
The 90-year-old promoter paid special attention to Alexander Usik, praising him for participating in the defense of his country from Putin’s Russia.
You have worked with the greatest heavyweights that have walked the earth. Ali, Tyson, Holmes – the list goes on and on. What are your thoughts on the existing heavyweight scene with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk?
“I think they are all great fighters. Every time a fighter takes those three steps, I think they become great. Especially if they seek fame and influence. When they do it with their physical courage, mental strength and know how to use this skill – I think it’s just wonderful. I am very proud of all these fighters. They are brave, they are valiant, they go out and do their thing.
They have obligations and responsibilities: not just to go out and knock someone out, but to be able to repay the community, repay the family, repay the country. That’s why Usyk was so impressive for me. Usyk won the battle between Ukraine and England. He gave up titles, came home and joined the army to fight Russia. That’s what I love about Usyk. Now he should return to the boxing ring, but this was not his desire. His desire was to fight for his country, fight for his people, fight for his family. What he could or should have done is irrelevant. He dedicated himself to take up arms, go there and take part in this bloody war against Russia. This is something I am very proud of in Usyk. He is a great patriot as well as a great fighter.
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn confirmed the postponement of the Usyk-Joshua rematch, named two dates at once.