Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his titles against Daniel Dubois on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. As he prepares for this significant rematch, his wife, Yekaterina Usyk, commonly known as Kateryna, is anticipated to support him from the sidelines. Together, they have built a life intertwined with personal and professional challenges, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Who is Yekaterina Usyk?
Yekaterina Usyk has largely kept her personal life private, focusing instead on her philanthropic efforts and family. Despite her low public profile, she is well-known in Ukraine, where she has been actively involved in charitable work. The couple has been married since 2009, having established a relationship that predates their wedding.
In her role as the founder of the Usyk Foundation, Kateryna has dedicated herself to supporting her country amid the turmoil caused by the Russian invasion. The foundation prioritizes various humanitarian efforts, including:
- Providing essential equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
- Supporting civilians affected by the war
- Delivering humanitarian aid to displaced families
- Raising international financial assistance for Ukraine
In an interview with PravdaTUT in April 2022, Kateryna revealed the toll the conflict has taken on her family, particularly on Oleksandr’s physical and mental state. She noted, “Sasha lost 10 kilograms in a week of the war. He was so horrified, in such shock, he was so torn apart.”
A Family Under Duress
Oleksandr and Kateryna have four children: two sons, Kyrylo and Mykhalio, and two daughters, Yelizaveta and Maria. The family faced a harrowing experience when they were forced to flee their home in Vorzel, Bucha, as Russian troops advanced. They lost many possessions, and Oleksandr was compelled to prioritize the safety of his family before returning to the front lines.
Reflecting on the impact of the war on his children, Oleksandr shared, “My children are asking, ‘Daddy, why do they want to kill us?’ I don’t know how to answer that.” He expressed deep concern for friends and family still in Ukraine, stating, “I am in touch with them every day, asking for updates. I didn’t want to leave the country. I want to live there, still.”
As Oleksandr trained for his fights, he made significant sacrifices, missing important family milestones. He remarked, “I missed Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my other son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday and then the birth of my daughter.” His dedication to his sport remains strong, but so does his desire to return to Ukraine whenever possible.
Upcoming Fight: Dubois vs. Usyk 2
The highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will take place at Wembley Stadium, with ring walks scheduled to begin at approximately 21:50 BST. The fight card will be available for viewing on DAZN.
Dubois, the IBF champion, has expressed a strong desire for revenge, stating, “This is the fight I wanted and demanded, and now I get my chance for revenge. I should have won the first fight.” Oleksandr, on the other hand, acknowledges the significance of this bout, saying, “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship. Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt — now I want it back.”
As the fight approaches, the Usyk family continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in their homeland while supporting each other through their shared experiences. The resilience displayed by Oleksandr and Kateryna highlights the strength of their bond, both in life and in the ring.
