World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk's Ready to Fight app partners with Saudi Boxing Federation

Oleksandr Usyk's 'Ready to Fight' app has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia Boxing Federation ahead of next month's undisputed heavyweight title fight with Tyson Fury.

The Ready to Fight app, which was launched by the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion in November 2023, helps facilitate communication and collaboration between boxers, sparring partners, coaches and managers.

The app has already proven its effectiveness in the build-up to Usyk's undisputed heavyweight title fight at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on May 18 as part of Riyadh Season.

Since January, more than 40 sparring partners have been selected through the Ready to Fight app and invited into camp ahead of the Ukrainian's undisputed title fight with the Gypsy King.

Usyk and the 'Ready to Fight' team are hoping the partnership with the Saudi Arabia Boxing Federation will help take the app - which already has around 120,000 registered users - to the next level.

The partnership between Ready to Fight and the Saudi Arabia Boxing Federation will primarily focus on talent scouting and engaging top boxing professionals in the Federation’s programs and projects.

Additionally, both parties will work together to promote boxing and develop boxing education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - which has played host to several big boxing events including the Battle of the Baddest, The Day of Reckoning and Knockout Chaos.

Speaking about the partnership, Usyk said: 'As a world champion who started his journey from humble beginnings, I am intimately familiar with the challenges that await young athletes along the way.

'Most of these problems stem from the lack of communication tools. Even the greatest boxing champions could not achieve victory alone; behind them is always a team of coaches and trainers, managers, agents and cheering fans.'

The Ukrainian boxer went on to add: 'Digital technologies breaking barriers in borders could allow every fighter to find his own “boxing family” simply, quickly and safely. I am pleased that Saudi Arabia is poised to lead the way in implementing technology within the Kingdom's boxing governing body.'

'It has become really simple now, you don’t need to call a lot of people all around the world when looking for sparring partners or other staff, you can do it in just a few clicks. Ready To Fight is our secret weapon in preparation for the fight.'

While Rasha Alkhamis - the Vice President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, said: 'Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a key player in the boxing industry, hosting thrilling bouts within the Kingdom.

'Our current focus is on developing local talent in both men's and women's divisions, our main focus is amateur boxing and soon will start nurturing Saudi professional boxers. Furthermore, we are dedicated to providing them with all the enablers to connect with the global boxing community.'