Oleksandr Usyk makes football debut for Ukrainian second-tier side

The Ukrainian has been training with Polissya in recent days

World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk made his debut for Ukrainian second-tier side FC Polissya in a friendly match against NK Veres Rivne on Friday. The Ukrainian was seen training with Polissya after it was announced that he would feature for the Ukrainian second division team in the game. Usyk took part in several training drills, before getting involved in a small-sided match with his Polissya teammates.

In footage uploaded on Instagram by both Usyk and Polissya, he was speaking to the team's players in the changing room before they headed to the pitch.

The boxer is training with Polissya during the club's winter training camp, with the Ukraian outfit set to return to Persha Liga action in March.

When discussing Uysk's involvement with his team, Polissya director Volodymyr Zagursky told The Times Hub: "If Usyk strengthens our team, we will offer a professional contract, if not, we will just give a chance to try his hand at football.

"What will Usyk's participation in the tournament look like? These moments are kept secret. Watch the tournament and you you will see everything."

The 35-year-old - who was handed the number 17 shirt - was pictured in the dugout in the first-half, with Polissya trailing 1-0. Usyk eventually came on for his debut in the 75th minute and had a great chance to open his account just seconds after entering the game, but he fluffed his lines and was unable to convert his opportunity. As the boxer came on with Polissya having come from behind to take a 2-1 lead, he was under pressure to help the team see out the rest of the match. Despite failing to make a significant impact, Uysk got involved and worked hard for the team as they secured victory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSdEiIaQnw

Away from the football pitch, Usyk is expected to face-off against Anthony Joshua in either March or April in the pair's eagerly-anticipated rematch bout - with the winner likely to fight the victor of Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte's upcoming WBC title clash.

Should he win against AJ, it paves the way for a clash against winner of Fury vs Whyte - where the Ukrainian could become the first undisputed heavyweight king in over two decades and just the second fighter ever to become an undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

Related links:

• Eddie Hearn claims Tyson Fury pulled out of a fight against Oleksandr Usyk
• Anthony Joshua denies claims he will step aside to allow Fury vs Usyk fight
• Tyson Fury slams Anthony Joshua for allowing “little steroid man” Oleksandr Usyk to beat him