Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will not run for president of Ukraine, despite a recent survey indicating that 6% of the population would support him as a candidate. The boxer made this clear during a conversation about his sports career and a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where they discussed sports rather than politics.
According to the social polling group “Rating,” 6.9% of respondents expressed their willingness to vote for Usyk as of July 20-21, which places him among the top ten candidates for the presidency.
In response to questions about his popularity, Usyk stated, “If I had such an intention, I think more people would vote for me. But I will not run for president of Ukraine.”
When asked by a journalist if his role as the first vice president of FC Polissya influenced his decision, he confirmed, “That’s right.” Usyk has held this position since March 22 of this year, after previously suggesting he might consider a presidential run following his boxing career.
Context
- Usyk was required to defend his WBC title against Agit Kabayel but chose to relinquish all championship belts on June 26, stating he was not retiring and planned to fight again.
- In early July, BBC Sport reported that Usyk was negotiating a farewell fight against American boxer Deontay Wilder.
- In an interview with FightHype on July 17, Usyk emphasized that he wants his final opponent to be a well-known athlete, possibly a former heavyweight champion like Tyson Fury or Wilder, with the match potentially happening late this year or early next year, as reported by “Champion.”
