Papal Blessing for WBC's New Belt
There has been a lot of debate about the number of belts in professional boxing, but the WBC's new belt for the undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th is truly special. This new belt has received a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis himself. The belt was presented to the Pope by Mauricio Suleiman, the head of the WBC.
This isn't the first time Pope Francis has shown an interest in boxing. In 2019, he named Deontay Wilder, who visited him, the "Boxers’ Representative and Ambassador for Peace through Sport."
The Fight of the Decade: Fury vs. Usyk
When major leaders start weighing in on an upcoming fight, you know it's a big deal. The Fury-Usyk showdown is no exception. With the possibility of a new undisputed heavyweight champion being crowned for the first time in decades, the stakes couldn't be higher. Adding to the intrigue is the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. Fury, with flashes of brilliance, is seen as a potential all-time great, while Usyk, a skilled and undefeated champion, is eyeing his second undisputed title.
Despite their differences, both Fury and Usyk share a common faith as devout Christians. This shared belief has given Pope Francis' blessing a special significance in the eyes of these two fighters. It's worth noting that many well-known boxers have received papal audiences in the past, underscoring the importance of this gesture. Fans can catch the highly anticipated match between Fury and Usyk live from Saudi Arabia on May 18th, airing on DAZN, ESPN+, and PPV TV.
*Images: Sky Sports
