Usyk Plays Charity Football Match in Lisbon Amid Title Fight Postponement

Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion, will participate in a Legends Charity Football Game in Lisbon on September 15, despite postponing his mandatory WBO title defense against Joseph Parker due to a back injury. Usyk will join a World Legends XI featuring football greats such as John Terry, Michael Owen, Kaka, Luis Figo, and Ricardo Quaresma to raise funds for charities supporting war-torn communities in Ukraine and to promote his Usyk Foundation, which aids the Ukrainian army and communities. He is expected to play at least the first 10 minutes of the match, marking a rare public appearance on the football pitch during his recovery period. The WBO granted Usyk a 90-day medical extension retroactive from August 9, allowing him time to recover and negotiate his next fight, while interim champion Joseph Parker will defend his interim title during this period. Usyk’s involvement in the charity match highlights his commitment to philanthropy alongside his boxing career and showcases his versatility as a sports figure. The postponed title fight is expected to be rescheduled following Parker's interim title defense on October 25 in London.