Eminem Sign a Glove for Oleksandr Usyk Back in Saudi Arabia

The world of boxing and the realm of hip-hop rarely intersect in meaningful ways. But back in October 2023, during the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fans witnessed a rare and unforgettable crossover moment. Legendary rapper Eminem—known globally as Slim Shady—attended the event and found himself face-to-face with Oleksandr Usyk, one of the most dominant fighters in modern boxing. What followed was a snapshot in sports and music history: Eminem signing a glove for Usyk, a symbolic exchange between two icons in their respective fields.

This moment, captured on video, continues to resonate years later, especially now that Usyk has cemented his place in the history books as a three-time undisputed champion in the four-belt era. It serves as a reminder of how two very different worlds can collide under the bright lights of an international stage.

The “Battle of the Baddest” in Riyadh

The Fury vs. Ngannou fight, held on October 28, 2023, in Riyadh, was billed as the “Battle of the Baddest.” It drew not just boxing fans but global celebrities, athletes, and entertainers. The spectacle went beyond the ring—it was a cultural event that blended combat sports with music, fashion, and entertainment.

Among the high-profile attendees was Eminem, a rare sight at boxing events but a presence that electrified the crowd. Known for his reclusive nature outside of performances, his appearance in Saudi Arabia highlighted the magnitude of the fight night. The rapper was seen interacting with fighters, fans, and VIP guests, solidifying the event as one of the most star-studded in recent boxing history.

Eminem Meets Oleksandr Usyk

While Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou dominated the headlines, the interaction between Eminem and Oleksandr Usyk was one of the night’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes moments. At the time, Usyk was preparing for his own showdown with Tyson Fury in a long-awaited clash for the undisputed heavyweight crown.

Video footage shows Eminem greeting Usyk warmly before being handed a boxing glove. Without hesitation, the rapper signed his name across the glove, smiling as he shared a lighthearted moment with the Ukrainian champion. For fans, this was more than a celebrity autograph—it was a merging of cultural giants, bridging the gap between hip-hop’s lyrical power and boxing’s physical dominance.

The Significance for Usyk

For Usyk, the meeting with Eminem carried symbolic weight. Known for his charisma, humor, and warrior spirit, Usyk has often been described as a performer inside the ring, blending technical brilliance with showmanship. Having a glove signed by Eminem—a figure equally celebrated for his artistry and relentless determination—felt like a parallel acknowledgment of shared greatness.

Fast forward to 2025, and the glove now carries even more historical significance. Usyk has since achieved what few thought possible: becoming the first male boxer in the four-belt era to claim undisputed status in three different weight classes. The signed glove isn’t just memorabilia; it’s a relic that represents two titans meeting before their legacies reached even greater heights.

Eminem’s Rare Appearance in the Boxing World

Eminem’s appearance at the Fury–Ngannou fight was surprising, considering he rarely makes public outings beyond concerts or award shows. While boxing and hip-hop have often shared cultural overlaps—think of fighters entering the ring to rap anthems or rappers referencing boxers in their lyrics—Eminem has not traditionally been part of that crossover.

His presence in Riyadh was therefore a treat for fans and a reminder of the global pull of boxing as entertainment. Unlike athletes who regularly mingle with celebrities at sporting events, Eminem’s reserved personality made the Riyadh appearance stand out even more. When paired with the video of him signing Usyk’s glove, the moment took on legendary status almost instantly.

Usyk’s Journey Since That Night

The Fury–Ngannou card was just the beginning of an even more historic chapter in Usyk’s career. At the time, he was already regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best, but questions lingered about whether he could dethrone Tyson Fury and establish himself as the undisputed heavyweight king.

Since then, Usyk has done far more than that. By 2025, he had secured his place in boxing lore, capturing multiple undisputed titles and proving himself one of the greatest fighters of his generation. His victories have not only elevated him above his contemporaries but also placed him in conversations about all-time greatness.

The glove signed by Eminem now serves as a reminder of a unique moment before Usyk’s crowning achievements, capturing the calm before the storm of boxing history.

A Cultural Crossover That Lives On

Moments like these go beyond the sport itself. For fans of both Eminem and Usyk, the signed glove video is a piece of cultural history. It highlights the power of crossover moments—when figures from different industries come together, they create stories that fans cherish for years.

The scene in Riyadh brought together:

• Eminem, the master of words and rhythm, whose career has shaped generations of music fans.

• Usyk, the master of movement and resilience, whose career defines determination in the ring.

It was an intersection of music and boxing that symbolized respect, artistry, and the global appeal of both figures.

Why Fans Still Talk About It Today

Two years later, the video continues to circulate online, especially as fans celebrate Usyk’s incredible achievements. For Eminem fans, it’s a rare glimpse of their idol in a different setting, relaxed and engaging with athletes. For boxing fans, it’s a testament to the sport’s ability to attract global icons outside its immediate circle.

The glove itself has become a conversation piece, a reminder of how history often sneaks up in small, spontaneous interactions. While the Fury–Ngannou bout itself was headline-grabbing, it is moments like Eminem signing Usyk’s glove that live on in fans’ memories as timeless snapshots.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of a Small Gesture

The video of Eminem signing Oleksandr Usyk’s glove in Saudi Arabia may have seemed like a small gesture at the time, but in hindsight, it encapsulates a powerful cultural moment. Eminem’s presence gave the event added star power, while Usyk’s request showed his appreciation for artistry beyond the ring.

Now, with Usyk’s name etched permanently in boxing history and Eminem continuing to reign as one of music’s greatest voices, that glove represents more than ink on leather—it represents respect, admiration, and the rare intersections of two worlds that inspire millions.

For boxing enthusiasts, music fans, and culture-watchers alike, that moment in Riyadh will forever stand as a symbol of how sports and art can converge, leaving behind legacies that transcend boundaries.