Undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk set for legends football match in Portugal despite postponed title fight

Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, has a rare public appearance on the football pitch, not in the ring. His much-awaited title defense is postponed, but the Ukrainian powerhouse is part of the "Legends Charity Game" at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade on September 15.

Usyk has spoken of the pride of fighting for his country in the world, albeit a rare opportunity. He plays a role in this mission, along with a charity side which he runs for young children who have lost parents, and the event will also serve to promote his singing about the sport.

Oleksandr Usyk to represent his foundation in charity football game

Star boxer Oleksandr Usyk will share the pitch with some Portuguese legends in the first Legends Charity Game, with the likes of Luís Figo, Pepe, Nani, Deco, and Ricardo Carvalho.

Their lineup will go up against international greats such as John Terry, Kaká, Michael Owen, Alessandro Del Piero, and Edwin van der Sar, managed by Costinha and Peter Schmeichel.

The match signifies even more than a sporting event. It is being used as a platform for Usyk to promote the Usyk Foundation, his charitable mission helping both communities in Ukraine and the Ukrainian army. The 38-year-old isn't expected to go the full match, but according to reports, he intends to take the field for at least the first 10 minutes.

This mini cameo highlights both his versatility and his determination to make sport – and the personalities behind it – more philanthropic.Also Read: Oleksandr Usyk net worth in 2025: How much does the undisputed champion earn per fight?

Oleksandr Usyk’s title fight delay creates opportunity for charity

Usyk's participation in the charity contest comes during a break from professional boxing. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) recently granted him a 90-day medical extension to negotiate his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker due to a back injury. During that period, he can defend his interim title, and Usyk has to fight the winner in his next fight or lose the WBO belt.Usyk's pre-fight recovery came under scrutiny when a video emerged of the fighter dancing vigorously on stage, which again questioned the seriousness of his impairment. Nonetheless, the WBO examined his medical records and decided to maintain its authorization of the postponement.Meanwhile, the heavyweight division is shrouded in uncertainty. Now, promoter Frank Warren has his doubts as to whether Usyk will even agree to step back between the ropes until his contract with Saudi Arabia reaches its conclusion in late 2025. If those worries hold, the division could remain in stasis until early 2026, delaying the time fans have to wait until the champion who universally reigns over all four belts does just that in battle again.