Oleksandr Usyk says that he is not fighting for money, despite the vast sums on offer for his rematch with Anthony Joshua which takes place in Saudi Arabia in August.
The fight is being funded by the Saudi Public Investment fund and there is up to £100 million in the prize pot for the heavyweight championship bout. However, Usyk has said that he is fighting, not for the money or recognition, but his enjoyment of the sport during Wednesday's press conference.
The fight has been subject to allegations of 'sportswashing', which have been put forward in response to accusations of human rights issues in the Middle Eastern state. This may have been what prompted Usyk's words during yesterday's press conference with no question asked on the subject during the part of the conference in which he made the remarks.
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He spoke of his pride at fighting in his native language of Ukrainian with his promoter translating for the crowd, he explained: "Everything I do in my life, the way I live and the way I fight is something that I am enjoying. I am not fighting for the money or for the recognition.
"Many people want the recognition, many people want others to remember them but I don't need this, I don't want to become a great. I am just doing my job and I will continue doing it until my heart is beating. The only thing I am on my way to is to saving my soul. Everything else that happens to me is just life."
Joshua was also speaking at the press conference alongside promoter Eddie Hearn and new trainer Robert Garcia and praised Saudi Arabia during his chance to speak at the promotional event. Joshua said: "Shout out to everyone in Saudi Arabia as well! It is going to be my second time there; first time was lit and it is going to be even better this time for sure.
"Going down to the old city was unbelievable. I am sure you have seen some of the videos on social media. Anyone that is going, I am sure you are going to be in for a great time in Saudi Arabia."
