Oleksandr Usyk’s latest trip wasn’t about boxing. On 18 and 19 September, the unbeaten former undisputed heavyweight champion visited Montenegro. He met Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Podgorica, spoke at a major conference and raised money for Ukrainians affected by the war.
The Usyk Montenegro visit showed again how he uses his fame far beyond the ring.
Meeting the Prime Minister
Usyk and Spajić met in Podgorica and posed with a pair of signed yellow boxing gloves. Afterwards, Usyk thanked the Prime Minister on Instagram for Montenegro’s support for Ukraine.
Spajić was just as warm. He called Usyk a “symbol of unbreakable spirit” and said the boxer had helped show the world how beautiful Montenegro is.
A packed two days
The meeting was only one part of the trip. Usyk also:
- Gave a keynote speech, “Champion’s Legacy”, at the Connectuj.me conference
- Held a charity auction through the Usyk Foundation, selling a signed WBC belt replica and autographed gloves to support those affected by the war in Ukraine
- Visited Ostrog Monastery, built into a cliff face and one of the Balkans’ most important Orthodox sites
- Met diplomats, volunteers and displaced Ukrainian children at Ukraine’s embassy in Montenegro
Why it matters
Usyk has become one of Ukraine’s best-known ambassadors. Every visit keeps his country’s cause in the international spotlight, and meeting a head of government is part of that.
For Montenegro, which hopes to finish its EU accession talks by the end of 2026, praise from a global sports star is valuable publicity too.
A long record of standing up for Ukraine
Usyk’s work for Ukraine didn’t start with this trip. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, he flew home and joined a territorial defence unit in Kyiv. He later left to prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua, explaining that he could do more for his country by winning in the ring and using his platform.
Since then, almost every big moment in his career has become a chance to talk about Ukraine: fight-week press conferences, post-fight interviews and trips like this one. The Usyk Foundation turns that attention into real support for people affected by the war.
His influence reaches into boxing’s biggest rivalries too. His camp in Spain has become a base that other top heavyweights visit, and even Joshua, twice beaten by Usyk, has spent time with Usyk’s team while preparing for a possible fight with Tyson Fury.
Still a fighter
The trip came three months after Usyk vacated all his heavyweight belts in June so that other contenders could fight for them. He remains unbeaten and says he isn’t finished, promising one “last dance” in the ring.
He’s also building a second career in football: in March he became first vice-president of Ukrainian club FC Polissya Zhytomyr, who recently gave him a bronze medal for their third-place finish.
FAQ
Why did Usyk visit Montenegro?
To speak at the Connectuj.me conference, hold a charity auction for Ukraine and meet Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
What did Spajić say about Usyk?
He called him a “symbol of unbreakable spirit”.
Is Usyk still heavyweight champion?
No. He vacated his titles in 2025 and 2026 but is unbeaten and hasn’t retired.
What is the Usyk Foundation?
Usyk’s charity, which supports people affected by the war in Ukraine.
Sources: Inkorr; Al Jazeera; Agence Europe.
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