The bizarre reason why Oleksandr Usyk posed with Newcastle United jersey revealed
Oleksandr Usyk has been snapped showcasing a Newcastle United jersey - much to the amusement of Toon supporters.
Widely considered one of the greatest fighters on the planet, the Ukrainian made history when he beat Tyson Fury in May. Usyk clinched the undisputed heavyweight crown - unifying the belts for the first time since 2000.
The unanimous decision win replicated the feat he achieved at cruiserweight and cemented him among the greats. The 37-year-old is preparing to fight Fury again in a lucrative rematch on December 21.
Both fighters held a press conference ahead of the highly-anticipated bout in midweek and Newcastle fans were stunned after Usyk was pictured with a black-and-white shirt. The 6ft 3in pugilist was snapped holding a Toon top with a custom-made Usyk No.17 printed on the back.
NewcastleWorld understands Alex Trifonov, a Ukrainian boxing coach who lives on Tyneside, previously sparred with Usyk and caught up with his former partner at the press conference. Trofonov trains at O’Tooles boxing gym in Byker and persuaded Usyk to pose with the Newcastle shirt.
This led to humorous comments from Toon fans online, with one asking if Usyk could play right wing given Newcastle's on-field woes. Another wrote: “He comes across as a smashing bloke. He’s very respectful until he gets in the ring.”
Some had already crowned Usyk an “adopted Geordie” despite his loyalties lying elsewhere. The boxer admitted to supporting Manchester City because of Oleksandr Zinchenko, although his compatriot now plays for Arsenal.
A keen footballer himself, Usyk once turned out for Ukrainian side FC Polissya Zhytomyr in a 2-1 win over NK Veres Rivne. Perhaps the heavyweight could answer Newcastle’s prayers on the right flank after all…