On Saturday, June 13, a meeting took place in the White House Oval Office between US President Donald Trump and world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. The fact of the personal audience was announced by Margot Martin, a special assistant to the US President and communications advisor.
In the published photo, which Martin accompanied with a caption about the meeting in the Oval Office, the boxer and the head of state are shaking hands. Details of the conversation, held behind closed doors, are not currently disclosed.
From a Gift to Public Disputes
This visit continued the complex history of interaction between the Ukrainian athlete and the American leader. Back in February 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally brought Usyk's championship belt to Donald Trump during his trip to the White House. At that time, both politicians gave enigmatic comments regarding the fate of the gift, while the boxer himself only noted: "I know what this belt is, I just can't say anything to anyone".
Later, relations between the athlete and the US President developed in the public sphere. In April 2025, Usyk sharply criticized Trump's position on the Ukrainian issue, urging him to "open his eyes" to the war and calling his statements "complete nonsense". The situation escalated in June 2025 when the champion invited the US President to visit Ukraine in person. In his address, Usyk reminded Trump that drones and missiles fly over his house every night.
Growth of International Influence
Outside the ring, Oleksandr Usyk continues to increase his political and social weight. Recently, a prestigious magazine included the Ukrainian boxer in the list of the most influential people in the world, placing him alongside global stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and top NBA players. The meeting at the White House confirms that Usyk's figure extends far beyond the sports industry.