Blessed by the Pontiff: Pope Francis Bestows His Blessing Upon Special Fury-Usyk WBC Belt…

There are some who believe that professional boxing has far too many belts. It is difficult to contest the WBC’s newest title, though, which was created to honor Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s undefeated heavyweight championship match on May 18. Why? The Pope himself has bestowed his blessing on the new belt. That’s correct, Pope Francis himself blessed the commemorative belt after WBC chief Mauricio Suleiman gave it to him. His Holiness has dabbled with the sweet science on previous occasions. Pope Francis designated boxer Deontay Wilder, who had visited him in 2019, as the “Boxers’ Representative and Ambassador for Peace through Sport” back in 2019.

In light of this, it consistently demonstrates how important your impending battle is when influential figures weigh in (pardon the pun). And Fury-Usyk is unquestionably a significant occasion. For the first time in literally decades, a new heavyweight champion will emerge, barring the improbable. It’s difficult to predict who will win this match, which could even add to the intrigue. When Fury performs at his peak (which he doesn’t usually do), he seems like a potential all-time great. As for Usyk, he’s a walking talking powerhouse, an undefeated master who is going for his second undisputed title (Usyk was the world’s undisputed cruiserweight champion before switching to heavyweight).

Fury and Usyk are both devoted Christians, even if neither of them is a Roman Catholic. For this reason, Pope Francis’ benediction may have greater significance than it would otherwise have for the two men. In light of this, a number of well-known combatants have had papal audiences throughout the years. It is true that boxers like Arthur Abraham, Sergio Martinez, and Riddick Bowe have all addressed popes. On May 18, DAZN, ESPN+, and PPV TV will stream live from Saudi Arabia in the much awaited fight between Fury and Usyk.