Michael Owen’s Surprising Take on Usyk – Knockout

A Football Pitch Meets the Boxing Ring

The sporting world was treated to an unexpected crossover when Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight boxing champion, joined a star-studded lineup at the Legends Charity Match in Lisbon. Taking place at the iconic Estádio da Luz, the game featured some of football’s biggest names, but it was Usyk’s presence that caught everyone’s attention — especially that of former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

After the match, Owen shared his thoughts with British Boxing News, delivering a lighthearted but genuine take on Usyk’s surprising football cameo. His comments gave fans a mix of amusement, admiration, and respect for the Ukrainian champion.

Michael Owen on Usyk: Expecting a Knockout

Michael Owen, who found the back of the net against the Portuguese Legends team, revealed that he was both entertained and intrigued by Usyk’s behavior before and during the game.

“It was fascinating to see Oleksandr Usyk on the sideline doing his warm-ups. He was shadow boxing. We were thinking he was going to go and knock somebody out, that would have been funny!” Owen said with a smile.

While the football world is used to seeing players stretch or jog before kick-off, Usyk’s boxing-style warm-up stood out. According to Owen, the moment had players and fans joking about the possibility of a “knockout on the football pitch.”

“It was great to have him at the Legends Charity Game, what an icon, and an honor to share the pitch with him. Thankfully, we were only sharing a pitch and not the ring!” Owen added, making sure to acknowledge Usyk’s intimidating reputation in the ring.

Why Usyk’s Presence Surprised Fans

Usyk, who usually dominates headlines for his boxing feats, looked right at home on the football pitch. Yet, many fans attending the game admitted they expected the Ukrainian fighter to bring his knockout power rather than his football skills. The sight of Usyk in full kit, moving across the pitch with ease, was both entertaining and inspiring.

For Owen, it wasn’t just about Usyk’s athletic presence, but the sense of unity events like this create.

“I’ve been very fortunate, as many of us have been in our careers, to play with some great players. And when I saw the line-up for the Legends Charity Game, I told myself I had to be here, to play with some of these great players and against them,” Owen reflected.

The Match: A Star-Studded Lineup

The Legends Charity Game truly lived up to its name, with an extraordinary lineup of footballing icons gracing the pitch. The World Legends team, featuring Usyk and Owen, went head-to-head with the Portugal Legends team, captained by none other than Luís Figo.

Alongside Usyk and Owen, the World Legends team featured legends such as:

• Kaká – The Brazilian maestro and Ballon d’Or winner.

• John Terry – Former Chelsea and England captain.

• Alessandro Del Piero – Italian World Cup winner and Juventus legend.

• Carles Puyol – The stalwart defender of Barcelona and Spain.

• Hristo Stoichkov – The Bulgarian icon and Ballon d’Or winner.

Despite the global star power on display, it was the Portuguese team who claimed victory with a 4–1 scoreline, showcasing the flair and skill that once made them dominant in European football.

Usyk’s Role in the Match

While Usyk wasn’t the most technically gifted player on the field, his energy, determination, and charisma drew plenty of attention. Just as he does in the boxing ring, Usyk brought passion and discipline, which made his presence a highlight of the event.

Many fans noted his ability to interact with teammates and opponents alike, underlining the respect he commands not just as a boxer but as a global sports figure.

The Charitable Purpose Behind the Game

Beyond the star-studded appearances and friendly competition, the Legends Charity Match served a much greater purpose. Proceeds from the event were donated to organizations supporting people affected by wars and conflicts.

The beneficiaries included:

• The Portuguese Red Cross

• Caritas

• International Alert

• The Ukrainian Red Cross Society

The match successfully raised awareness and funds, highlighting how sports can bring hope and relief to those in need.

Rasmus Soejmark, CEO of Sport Global and one of the event’s organizers, expressed gratitude to the players, fans, and sponsors. He also emphasized the vision of making the Legends Charity Game an annual tradition, particularly in the build-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.

Michael Owen’s Admiration for Usyk

Michael Owen’s comments weren’t just playful; they underscored his genuine admiration for Usyk’s character. The English striker, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, recognized the Ukrainian’s ability to inspire, even outside of his boxing career.

Usyk, who recently made headlines for his heavyweight title defenses, showed that his appeal goes far beyond the boxing ring. By participating in this charity match, he demonstrated that athletes can transcend their sports to contribute to broader causes and communities.

Why This Matters for Usyk’s Legacy

Oleksandr Usyk has already cemented his place in boxing history as one of the greatest technical fighters of his era. But moments like the Legends Charity Match add layers to his legacy. They show him not just as a champion inside the ropes but also as a humanitarian and global sports ambassador.

Fans expected a knockout from Usyk, but what they got instead was a heartwarming display of unity, camaraderie, and goodwill. For Usyk, sharing the pitch with football legends was another reminder of how sport, in all its forms, can bring people together.

Final Thoughts

Michael Owen’s surprising take on Usyk at the Legends Charity Match provided fans with one of the most memorable soundbites of the event: the image of Usyk knocking someone out on a football field. While that never happened, the Ukrainian boxer still managed to steal the spotlight.

With stars like Kaká, John Terry, Luís Figo, and Del Piero on the pitch, the charity game was already destined to be a spectacle. But Usyk’s shadowboxing warm-ups, combined with Owen’s lighthearted commentary, gave the night an unforgettable twist.

As the football legends put on a show for a good cause, Usyk reminded the world that being a champion isn’t just about winning titles — it’s about using your influence to inspire and give back.

And for Owen? He got to share the pitch with one of boxing’s greatest, all while joking that it was better to face Usyk in football than in the ring.