British battles: When Ukrainian boxing stars ruled UK rings
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
For many Ukrainian boxers, the British ring has become an arena of loud triumphs and bitter disappointments. Some earned titles and worldwide fame there, while others lost their chance at the belt literally in the final round. A vivid example is Oleksandr Usyk, who will fight British boxer Daniel Dubois again in the UK on July 19. Here are the most striking fights of Ukrainian champions and promising fighters in Britain—from legendary victories to unfortunate failures.
Volodymyr Klychko vs Anthony Joshua
On April 29, 2017, Volodymyr Klychko fought the final match of his professional career. His opponent was IBF titleholder Anthony Joshua.
The fight took place at the legendary Wembley Stadium in front of more than 90,000 fans. It was one of the most attended boxing events in Great Britain's history.
In the sixth round, Klychko knocked Joshua down but failed to finish him. The British boxer recovered and, in the 11th round, launched a series of attacks that ended in a technical knockout.
It was the 69th fight of Klychko's career and his fifth loss. Soon after, Volodymyr announced his retirement from boxing.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tony Bellew
On November 10, 2018, Oleksandr Usyk had his final fight in the cruiserweight division against British boxer Tony Bellew. The match took place at the Manchester Arena with over 20,000 spectators.
All four of Usyk's titles were on the line: WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF. Usyk delivered a precise series of punches and knocked Bellew out in the eighth round.
This victory was historic, as Usyk became the first to defend the undisputed cruiserweight championship on foreign soil.
After the fight, Bellew announced his retirement, and Usyk confirmed his move to the heavyweight division.
Vasyl Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell
On August 31, 2019, Vasyl Lomachenko entered the ring at the O2 Arena in London against British boxer Luke Campbell.
Three belts were at stake: the vacant WBC title, and the WBA and WBO titles, which Lomachenko was defending.
During the fight, the Ukrainian held the initiative: he worked the distance, dodged the opponent's punches, and responded effectively.
The judges unanimously awarded the victory to Lomachenko: 119-108, 119-108, 118-109. Thanks to this fight, the Ukrainian became the holder of three titles in lightweight.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Dereck Chisora
On October 31, 2020, Usyk made his heavyweight debut, facing Dereck Chisora at the SSE Arena in London.
It was a tough fight: Chisora applied pressure from the start, trying to impose a physical brawl. Despite the opponent's aggression, Usyk showed composure and gradually seized the initiative.
After 12 rounds, all three judges awarded the victory to the Ukrainian boxer: 117-112, 115-113, 115-113.
Thus, Usyk successfully debuted in a new weight class and took his first step toward the titles.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua
On September 25, 2021, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Usyk faced Joshua, now a titleholder. The British boxer held the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.
The Ukrainian completely outboxed Joshua: he controlled the tempo, was more technical, and faster. Usyk dominated the ring and was close to a knockout by the end of the fight.
After 12 rounds, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to the Ukrainian: 117-112, 116-112, 115-113. It was a true breakthrough as Usyk became a world champion in a second weight category.
England: an arena of triumphs and trials
In the British ring, Ukrainian boxers have held five notable fights, four of which were in London and one in Manchester.
In total, Ukrainians secured 4 victories (3 by decision, 1 by technical knockout) and suffered 1 loss.
Interestingly, the fight between Vitalii Klychko and Lennox Lewis in 2003 was initially planned for the UK but eventually took place in Los Angeles. Vitalii had plans to fight in Britain but never realized them at the top level.
Usyk, however, is a prime example of a Ukrainian who repeatedly won titles in Britain.
What is known about Usyk vs Dubois 2
The bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will be on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London.
All four major heavyweight titles—WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC—will be at stake. The Ukrainian holds three belts, while Dubois currently holds the IBF title.
Ahead of this fight, Usyk signed with a new promoter.
Also, we shared Lennox Lewis's prediction for the Usyk vs Dubois fight.
