Soldiers have long been associated with particular beliefs, often relying on personal rituals to give them a sense of control before battle. Boxers, too, are no strangers to these traditions. Oleksandr Usyk, for instance, has a special connection to the fabled Eeyore, the donkey. This beloved stuffed toy from ‘Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree‘ is Usyk’s personal talisman. It holds significant meaning as it was a gift from his daughter. Usyk first brought Eeyore with him during his 2022 fight against Anthony Joshua.

Now, as he prepares for another epic showdown with Tyson Fury, Usyk hasn’t forgotten his trusty mascot. With the rematch set to take place at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on May 18, he hopes to repeat his previous success. The two heavyweights will face off once again for Usyk’s unified titles. As the fight approaches, let’s take a closer look at the story behind Eeyore and its connection to this modern boxing legend.

The Story Behind Eeyore: A Daughter’s Special Gift

With Eeyore under his arm, Oleksandr Usyk appeared in a tweet from Ring magazine. He reportedly shared that the toy was a gift from his daughter, who told him, “This needs to be right next to you.”

We need to travel back two years ago. Roughly a year after he defeated Anthony Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City arena, Oleksandr Usyk faced Anthony Joshua for a rematch. It was a rather emotional phase for the Ukrainian champion. Some six months ago, in February, a war had broken out in his home country.

Given that he was traveling to Saudi Arabia, his daughter, then 12-year-old Yelizaveta, gave him the toy Eeyore, the donkey. The stuffed figure first featured way back in 1966 as part of Disney’s theatrical ‘Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree’.

Usyk reportedly mentioned, “It’s my daughter’s. She gave it to me to be my talisman. We bought it when we were all together in Disneyland Paris.” Following the commencement of the war, he and his family left Ukraine, but he had to leave for Saudi Arabia.

While handing over the toy, his daughter told him that Eeyore needs to be by his side, always. “It sleeps with me, is always close to me, and she told me to take it to my media event,” Usyk said. Fondly nicknamed Liolia, it seems the toy remains in his dressing while he steps into the ring for his fights.

A Symbol of Strength and Resilience

Despite his grueling training schedules and global travels, Usyk’s devotion to his wife Yekaterina, and their four children remains at the core of his life. His family remains his greatest pillar of strength.

Oleksandr Usyk inspires not only through his athletic achievements but also as a dedicated father and husband. As the Kingdom Arena showdown approaches, fans eagerly await to see if he will solidify his legacy in boxing history. With his cherished talisman and the unwavering support of his family, Usyk stands ready for the challenge.

What do you think—can Oleksandr Usyk defend his titles and emerge victorious once more?