This is why Oleksandr Usyk, Rico Verhoeven's opponent, brings a stuffed donkey to his fights

Usyk has now traveled to Egypt for his fight against Verhoeven on Saturday evening. The two champions will face off in front of the Giza pyramids. Broadcaster DAZN has already released an exciting trailer, showcasing glimpses of the ring setup and the anticipated atmosphere. The burning question remains: who will emerge victorious, the kickboxing champion or the boxing champion?

Usyk's plane has landed on Egyptian soil, and images show the Ukrainian carrying a peculiar item. Attached to the bag around his neck is a stuffed donkey. Usyk always brings this plush toy with him during his fight preparations. For the heavyweight, the stuffed animal holds significant sentimental value.

The plush toy belongs to his daughter, Yelizaveta. She wanted to give her father a protector whenever he traveled for a match. This became a stuffed toy of Eeyore, the old grey donkey from the Winnie the Pooh films and series. Yelizaveta named the toy Liolia, and the little creature is now always present during Usyk's fights. His daughter insists that Liolia accompanies him everywhere, and the fighter dutifully listens to Yelizaveta.

Ahead of his fight with Tyson Fury, Usyk explained the significance of the stuffed animal. "My daughter gave it to me as my talisman. We bought it when we were in Disneyland Paris as a family. When we left Ukraine and were separated in different parts of Europe, my daughter gave me the toy. She said: you must take this everywhere with you. So, I do," the world boxing champion recounted about Liolia the stuffed animal.