Olena Kolesnyk, MMA star Olena Koleskyk, is backing Oleksandr Uzyk against Anthony Joshua - but she faces watching the boxing legend's rematch on catchup.
Joshua was defeated by Usyk last September. Usyk defends his belt on Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua last September
Olena Kolesnyk will back Oleksandr Usyk for his rematch against Anthony Joshua
Kolesnyk will face Larissa Pacheco in London's semi-finals of the Professional Fighters League.
Only one win is required to reach the $1million winner-takes-all final fight.
AJ's victory puts Usyk in the running for a title decider with Tyson Fury (34).
Kolesnyk (32), is supporting her ex-amateur boxing teammate throughout the fight, but will likely have to film the fight before cheering on him.
SunSport spoke with her: "My fights are No6 and No7 so it will be close.
"I'm not sure if I'll be able to, but I'll certainly watch his fight the next morning."
Joshua, 32, was defeated by Usyk, 35 on points at Tottenham's stadium. Kolesnyk expects a repeat.
She stated that she knew Oleksandr Usyk personally when he was part of the women's boxing team. He was also part of the men's boxing team in Ukraine.
"I am sure that this fight will be exciting, but there is no alternative to Usyk winning this bout.
"I don’t see how Anthony Joshua could beat Usyk. But, in another way, it’s a boxing fight. Anything can happen.
"But from my side of the coin, I do wish Oleksandr all the best."
Last year, Kolesnyk signed with the PFL - MMA's only promotional organization with a league format.
The regular season for fighters is two-bout, with points earned by each method of victory.
The top four advance to the play-offs. This is where semis and finals are held. Winners will receive the life-changing $1m cheque (PS827,000).
Kolesnyk was defeated twice last year. However, she won the fourth round with wins over Abby Montes (22) and Vanessa Melo (34).
She did it all while her country was at war and she left behind her family.
Kolesnyk stated: "It is hard, I won’t hide it. My only hope is to inspire others from my country to not give up.
"It's everything for me, it keeps me focused on the main goal and on the fight so I'm really happy that I'm where I am now."
Kolesnyk will face Pacheco (27), at the Copper Box, in a rematch from the fight she lost last January.
Olena Kolesnyk training in Las Vegas
