ALTHOUGH Oleksandr Usyk could walk through most American cities unnoticed and unheralded, in his embattled but defiant homeland of Ukraine, the world heavyweight champion is that rarity among pugilists – namely a boxer who matters deeply to those living beyond the sport’s usually confined constituency of hardcore fans.

More than a dozen war veterans from Ukraine will be on hand when Oleksandr Usyk faces Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night in the pair’s fight to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

1. Oleksandrovych Usyk was born on the same day as his hero, Muhammad Ali, on January 17, but 45 years apart in 1987. 2. Growing up on a farm in Simferopol, he helped with the cattle, collected fruits (apricots and peaches) to sell, and also worked as an ice cream vendor - the same job his friend Vasily Lomachenko also used to do.

Oleksandr Usyk faces Daniel Dubois in a huge heavyweight rematch this weekend, and the Ukrainian has been known to prepare for fights in some rather unusual ways

Oleksandr Usyk is set to earn a reported $138M in his bout with British fighter Daniel Dubois, one of the largest purses in boxing history. Photos from Usyk's childhood and career chart his rise from an impoverished upbringing in Ukraine to his legendary status today.

Ukraine’s undisputed heavyweight champion, who enlisted in territorial defence during Russia's invasion, continues to balance service and sport as he gets set to take on Daniel Dubois II today

Oleksandr Usyk (23-0-0, 14 KOs) is a modern-day legend who has become the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight weight divisions. He's o

Oleksandr Usyk isn’t just going to gift him that opportunity, though. He lands that overhand left again, and that’s the shot that Fury has completely failed to fend off all evening.