The world champion will take on the Gypsy King on Saturday (18.05.24) as he bids to become the first unified world champion in the division for 25 years but says that the morale of his compatriots in the war-torn country is far more important to him.

Usyk told the Daily Mail newspaper: "We are fighting for our lives. Either we are going to be free or we will be destroyed. I believe in Ukraine even more than myself and I do believe in myself that I will beat Tyson Fury and I do believe I will beat Tyson Fury.

"For me, the fight with Fury is important. Winning four belts is important. Being undisputed champion is important. But more importantly it's about giving that feeling of joy to my Ukrainian people. My Ukrainian friends, my Ukrainian soldiers. It's an opportunity to share some positivity and I want to do that."

Usyk also revealed that becoming undisputed world champion would not eclipse the Olympic gold medal he won at London 2012 in terms of his career achievements.

He said: "An Olympic gold medal is more important than anything else.

"When it comes to a belt, if you don't win it this year you can maybe have another go in six months, next year. Not four years. That's what makes the Olympics so special."