Christmas is a’coming but apart from the weather – yes, the weather – you wouldn’t know it here. Land in the wee small hours in Riyadh and as soon as the plane door opens you regret not bringing an overcoat, gloves and a fur hat. Officially the night-time temperature here is about four degrees but the wind is freezing.
![[Usyk was seen kissing a cross during the first fight, and will rely on his Christian faith again in the rematch]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/17/85061005-14202293-Some_boxing_fans_suggested_Usyk_was_taking_an_inhaler_between_ro-a-2_1734457327215.jpg)
Out there in the desert Saudi Arabia has just experienced its first-ever recorded snowfall. It warms up under the midday sun but when you venture out from your heated room you will not find so much as one single sparkle of decoration in your hotel lobby or the malls, where the shopping is year-round manic not seasonal.
![[Usyk is also taking inspiration from Ukraine's soldiers amid his nation's ongoing war with Russia]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/17/93243057-14202293-image-m-6_1734457763484.jpg)
Forget the tree, the carols, Santa. And never mind that in the neighbouring emirates of Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourists will be greeted by these symbols of a different faith. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury in May, and is focused on winning their rematch on Saturday.
![[Usyk has remained respectful towards Fury and has refused to engage in a war of words]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/17/93243221-14202293-image-a-3_1734457549040.jpg)
Usyk was seen kissing a cross during the first fight, and will rely on his Christian faith again in the rematch. Usyk is also taking inspiration from Ukraine's soldiers amid his nation's ongoing war with Russia. After all, this Kingdom is the heart-land of Islam. Mecca, the holiest place of all, is a dusty 500 mile drive from the capital.
![[Usyk remains humble, and was visited by the last undisputed heavyweight champion before him, Lennox Lewis, during his training camp as he plots Fury's downfall]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/17/93243227-14202293-image-a-4_1734457595307.jpg)
This week it has taken the heavyweight champion of the world to bring the message of Christianity to this devout land of minarets and mosques. Oleksandr Usyk arrived here for his rematch with Tyson Fury with his mind very much on his orthodox religious belief.
