Oleksandr Usyk Displays Ivan Mazepa’s Sabre After Victory Over Fury

On December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) successfully defended his WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles in a rematch against Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs). The reigning champion secured victory via unanimous decision.

Following the fight, Usyk unveiled a unique artifact—a sabre belonging to Ivan Mazepa, a renowned Ukrainian hetman who fought for Ukraine’s independence over 300 years ago. The historical artifact was transported to Saudi Arabia under strict museum oversight for the first-ever display of such a piece in a boxing ring.

“This is the genuine sabre of the outstanding Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa. Holding a unique artifact, over 300 years old, was an honor for me. For centuries, Russia defamed Mazepa’s name. Now, it is returning to the global media and will gain the recognition it deserves. This is just the beginning!” Usyk wrote.

The sabre’s blade is engraved with the inscription: “All my hope I place in you, Mother of God, protect me under your veil!” The right side of the blade features carvings of two candles, two angels, and the crowned Virgin Mary with an infant and a branch—an iconographic depiction known as "The Unfading Flower."

This historic presentation was made possible through a collaboration between the Oleksandr Usyk Charitable Foundation, the Ukraine WOW public organization, the Chernihiv Historical Museum named after Tarnovsky, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, and the tournament organizers in Saudi Arabia.

“Behold! Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk raises the authentic sabre of Ivan Mazepa above the ring.

This serves as a reminder to the world of the remarkable hetman who fought against Russia for Ukraine’s freedom and unity three centuries ago. The 17th-century sabre was transported to Riyadh from Ukraine, where it is housed in the Chernihiv Historical Museum. The artifact was delivered under strict compliance with museum regulations and specialist supervision. For the first time in boxing history, a museum exhibit was allowed to be displayed in the ring.

For centuries, Russia defamed Hetman Mazepa’s name. Thanks to Oleksandr Usyk, it is returning to the global media and will gain the recognition it rightly deserves,” Ukraine WOW stated.